Zhou takes fourth F2 victory of the season in Abu Dhabi

Starting from third on the grid, Zhou got ahead of Campos’ Ralph Boschung at the start. 

Marcus Armstrong retained the lead but retired on Lap 11 shortly after the Safety Car restart due to a mechanical issue.

Zhou controlled the race from the front despite late pressure from Prema’s Robert Shwartzman, who overtook Boschung after a brief Virtual Safety Car period.

It’s a timely victory for Zhou and his first since being announced as Valtteri Bottas’ teammate at Alfa Romeo in F1 for next year. 

Zhou is 15 points behind Shwartzman - who finished second in the race - in the race for second behind 2021 F2 champion Oscar Piastri.

Boschung joined Zhou and Shwartzman on the podium. 

Piastri was in the wars having secured the title after this morning’s first sprint race.

The Australian dropped down to 13th in the early stages after contact with Lawson, before being hit with a five-second time penalty for the incident.

Piastri’s race came to an end on Lap 8 after colliding with Juri Vips into Turn 9. 

Outside of the top three, Dan Ticktum secured fourth ahead of Felipe Drugovich.

Lawson, Jehan Daruvala and Jack Doohan rounded out the points-paying position.

The final feature race of the season will take place on Sunday morning with Piastri on pole position.

Click here for the full results from the second Formula 2 sprint race