Alex Dunne's Spa Triumph Turns Sour: Penalty Costs F2 Victory and Championship Lead

In a dramatic turn of events at Spa-Francorchamps, Ireland's Alex Dunne was stripped of his Formula 2 feature race victory after receiving a 10-second penalty. The 19-year-old McLaren Development Driver had dominated the weekend, securing pole position and leading the race in challenging wet conditions. However, a procedural error during the formation lap led to the penalty, costing Dunne his third win of the season.

The Race Unfolds

Dunne showcased exceptional skill, pulling out a four-second lead early in the race. Despite a brief challenge from Japan's Ritomo Miyata, Dunne maintained his lead through the mid-race pit stops. His Rodin Motorsport team executed a swift pit stop, allowing him to rejoin the race in fourth place behind drivers who had yet to stop.

A Stunning Overtake

Dunne then delivered a breathtaking overtake around the outside of Pouhon bend, reclaiming the lead from Ollie Goethe. He extended his lead over Roman Stanek and Arvid Lindblad, only for the race to be red-flagged due to a late safety car incident involving Sebastian Montoya and Goethe's engine failure.

The Penalty

Despite crossing the finish line first, Dunne was penalized for not engaging the start set-up procedure at the beginning of the formation lap. This error, confirmed by FIA documents, led to the 10-second penalty, relegating Dunne to fourth place and handing the victory to Roman Stanek.

Championship Impact

The penalty not only cost Dunne the race win but also his lead in the F2 standings. He now sits fourth, 11 points behind new championship leader Leonardo Fornaroli. This marks the second time in three rounds that Dunne has lost a podium finish due to a penalty, following his disqualification in Austria for excessive plank wear.

Looking Ahead

Dunne remains determined, vowing to bounce back in the next round in Budapest. His performance at Spa, despite the penalty, underscores his potential and resilience in his rookie Formula 2 season.