Formula 2 Sprint Race in Monaco: Jehan Daruvala finishes second

The Indian driver describes his Monaco Sprint Race performance as an emotional rollercoaster that left him with a bittersweet taste of near-victory.

After finishing second in the Monaco Sprint Race, Jehan Daruvala earned his 18th career F2 podium. The Indian was close behind winner Ayumu Iwasa, but a tyre pressure issue in the final circuits cost him victory.

Daruvala started the reverse grid Sprint Race from P3, behind Isack Hadjar and Iwasa, thanks to an eighth-place qualifying result. Hadjar led at first but was forced to retire on Lap 6 due to a mechanical problem.

Daruvala had reduced the gap to Iwasa ahead of him by the halfway mark and was only 0.7secs behind him. Given that Jak Crawford was only seven seconds behind, he was in a good position. However, a late-race Safety Car quickly wiped out that lead.

Daruvala fell behind while Iwasa nailed the re-start. The MP Motorsport driver said after the race that his car had tyre pressure and braking troubles in the final laps. Despite his best efforts, he had to settle at second place. Standing on the podium, Crawford secured a solid second position, with Richard Verschoor claiming the victory.

"It's a case of mixed feelings right now, to be honest," Daruvala admitted after the race. "It's slightly frustrating to come so close to victory, especially here in Monaco, only to lose at the very end."

Kuch Maini in Monaco Sprint Race

Maini could barely qualify in 12th place after becoming stuck in traffic. He was thrown into a spin early in the race after colliding with Clément Novalak from behind. He came back to finish 14th.

Daruvala will start from P8 in tomorrow's Feature Race, while Maini will start from 12th. Daruvala's eight points today bring him to sixth in the drivers' standings, one point behind Maini.

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