F2: Red Bull junior Vips takes maiden win in second Baku Sprint Race

Baku is proving to be somewhat of a kick-starter for pre-season title favourites in Formula 2, with Red Bull junior Juri Vips clinching a first win in the second tier during a dramatic Sprint Race 2, beating out David Beckmann.

The Hitech Grand Prix driver’s victory came after Ferrari Academy driver Robert Shwartzman had taken a maiden win of the year earlier on Saturday in the first Sprint Race, with the duo both bouncing back after disappointing starts to the year.

F2: Ferrari junior Shwartzman claims Baku Sprint Race 1 win from Ticktum

Vips had to work hard for his win though, starting from third, the Hitech driver survived two Safety Car restarts while working his way past Bent Viscaal and David Beckmann in a frenetic F2 race that included multiple stoppages and six retirements.

Despite putting up a good fight, Charouz Racing System rookie Beckmann had to settle for second ahead of Red Bull junior Jehan Daruvala, who took a second podium in Baku after reverse pole-sitter Viscaal dropped down to fourth.

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Shwarztman followed up his maiden win with fifth ahead of Dan Ticktum, who recovered from an opening-lap crash to take sixth. Liam Lawson made up 13 places to seventh, with Oscar Piastri taking the final points’ place.

Liam Lawson will look to match his Hitech team mate’s achievements in the Feature Race. The Kiwi will start from pole at 1240 local time, the grid set by Friday’s Qualifying session.

For more on F2, visit the official series website.