FIA Announces Shocking Disqualification at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix F2 Sprint Race

The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, renowned as the grand finale of the Formula 1 season, was overshadowed by a dramatic disqualification in the Formula 2 series. While fans gathered at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit for an exciting weekend of motorsport, controversy erupted when Hitech driver Paul Aron was penalized for a significant technical infringement, disrupting his otherwise promising performance.

Paul Aron, an Estonian talent slated to serve as Alpine’s Formula 1 reserve driver in 2025, began his weekend with a stellar showing in the F2 sprint race on Saturday. Finishing on the podium, Aron appeared to be ending his F2 season on a high note. However, his celebrations were short-lived as the FIA announced his disqualification shortly after the race concluded. The decision stemmed from a report by the FIA technical delegate, revealing that the DRS actuator on Aron’s car had been modified, violating F2 technical regulations.

The infraction, described as a deliberate alteration to lengthen the actuator by one millimeter, enabled a wider opening of the DRS wing, providing a measurable performance advantage during overtaking opportunities. Given the severity of the breach, the FIA imposed a dual penalty: Aron was disqualified from the sprint race and relegated to a pitlane start for Sunday’s feature race.

In a statement, the FIA underscored the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that the modification could not have occurred without intent or negligence on the part of the team. “Car #17 has been disqualified from the results of the Sprint Race, the standard penalty for a technical infringement,” the statement read. Furthermore, the FIA noted that the team’s lack of diligence in identifying the non-compliant component exacerbated the issue, justifying the additional penalty.

Despite starting from the pitlane in the feature race, Aron’s weekend ended in disappointment, as he finished 11th, missing out on any points. The setback marked an unfortunate conclusion to an otherwise strong campaign for the driver.

While Aron faced challenges, the feature race was a cause for celebration for Gabriel Bortoleto, who clinched the Formula 2 championship in Abu Dhabi. The Brazilian driver, set to join Sauber/Audi’s F1 program in 2025, outperformed Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar to secure the title. The victory solidified Bortoleto’s status as one of the sport’s most promising young stars, ensuring his promotion to the Formula 1 stage comes with high expectations.

The weekend’s events served as a reminder of the stringent regulatory environment in motorsport and the importance of maintaining integrity in competition. As Formula 2 concluded its 2024 season with Bortoleto’s triumph, the controversy surrounding Aron highlighted the fine line between innovation and rule-breaking in the pursuit of success.