F4 British Championship: Bansal Claims Maiden Win as McLaughlin Extends Lead at Zandvoort

The coastal dunes of Zandvoort witnessed high drama this weekend as Ary Bansal soared to his first career victory and Fionn McLaughlin fortified his championship lead in the F4 British Championship’s Dutch showdown. Amidst red flags and wheel-to-wheel battles, the UK’s premier junior single-seater series delivered unforgettable moments that reshaped the title fight.

Bansal Seizes Maiden Victory in Dramatic Race Two

Fortec Motorsport’s Ary Bansal became the season’s tenth different winner after mastering a chaotic partially reversed-grid race. The contest ignited immediately when Xavier Avramides (Hitech TGR) and Esmee Kosterman (JHR Developments) collided on Lap 1, triggering a red flag. Chloe Chong (Rodin Motorsport) and Yuhao Fu (Xcel Motorsport) were also involved, though all drivers emerged unharmed—a testament to the Tatuus T-421 chassis’ safety.

After a shortened restart, Bansal defended aggressively from pole. Thomas Bearman (Hitech TGR) challenged at Turn 1 but damaged his front wing, dropping down the order. Behind Bansal, Rodin Motorsport teammates Ella Lloyd and Adam Al Azhari dueled fiercely for second. Lloyd initially passed Al Azhari but received a 5-second jump-start penalty, relegating her to third. Jimmy Piszcyk (Rodin Motorsport) took fourth, while Tommy Harfield (Chris Dittmann Racing) and Ethan Jeff-Hall (Argenti Motorsport) completed the top six.

McLaughlin Holds Nerve to Extend Championship Lead

Race 3 saw Hitech TGR’s Fionn McLaughlin deliver a masterclass under pressure. Starting from pole, the Irishman fended off title rival Martin Molnár (Virtuosi Racing) at the initial launch. A red flag soon paused proceedings after Charlie Edge (Chris Dittmann Racing) crashed.

The restart proved decisive: Molnár and Al Azhari collided at high speed, sending Al Azhari into the tire barrier and forcing Molnár into retirement with terminal damage. McLaughlin then dominated, surviving another stoppage when Emma Felbermayr (Virtuosi Racing) stalled. Piszcyk and Jeff-Hall completed the podium, with McLaughlin securing a crucial fastest lap point.

Championship Standings and Next Stop

McLaughlin’s win extends his Drivers’ Championship lead over Molnár and Piszcyk. Hitech TGR maintains its Teams’ Cup advantage, while Harfield leads the Challenge Cup. The F4 British Championship now heads to Scotland’s Knockhill Circuit on August 16–17 for Rounds 19–21. Both Sunday races will air live on ITV4/ITVX in the UK and stream globally via the championship’s YouTube channel.

The F4 British Championship’s relentless title battle intensifies as emerging talents and seasoned contenders clash. With McLaughlin building momentum and Bansal announcing his arrival, Knockhill promises unmissable drama. Tune in next month to witness the future of motorsport unfold.

Must Know

Who won Race 2 of the F4 British Championship at Zandvoort?
Ary Bansal (Fortec Motorsport) claimed his maiden victory in a red-flagged Race 2. Adam Al Azhari (Rodin Motorsport) and Ella Lloyd (Rodin Motorsport) completed the podium, though Lloyd was demoted to third post-race due to a jump-start penalty.

How did Fionn McLaughlin perform?
McLaughlin won Race 3 and extended his championship lead. The Hitech TGR driver also scored a bonus point for the fastest lap, capitalizing on rival Martin Molnár’s retirement after a collision.

What caused Martin Molnár’s retirement?
Molnár collided with Adam Al Azhari during Race 3’s restart. The incident sent Al Azhari into the barriers and damaged Molnár’s car beyond repair, costing him critical championship points.

Who leads the standings after Zandvoort?
Fionn McLaughlin tops the Drivers’ Championship, followed by Martin Molnár and Jimmy Piszcyk. McLaughlin also leads the Rookie Cup, while Tommy Harfield heads the Challenge Cup standings.

Where can I watch the next round?
Knockhill’s races on August 16–17 will air live on ITV4 and ITVX in the UK. International viewers can stream via the F4 British Championship’s official YouTube channel.