Leo Robinson crowned Formula Winter Series Vice-Champion
REPORT - ROUND 4 - BARCELONA
Hitech TGR’s Leo Robinson secured two victories in the final round of the Formula Winter Series in Barcelona, clinching the Vice-Champion title, while Fionn McLaughlin claimed the Rookie Class crown. Thomas Bearman rounded off the mini-series with a podium finish, while Nina Gademan took the top female honours.
Hitech TGR’s Leo Robinson secured two victories in the final round of the Formula Winter Series in Barcelona, clinching the Vice-Champion title, while Fionn McLaughlin claimed the Rookie Class crown. Thomas Bearman rounded off the mini-series with a podium finish.
Leo dominated both of his race wins at the Barcelona finale, starting from pole position and leading every lap in his F4-spec machine. His Hitech team-mate Fionn McLaughlin followed him across the line in the first two races, securing back-to-back 1-2 finishes for the team. In the final race of the weekend, Thomas Bearman claimed second place to cap off a successful event for the Hitech squad.
Saturday morning’s qualifying session took place in wet conditions, but Leo mastered the challenge, securing two pole positions and a front-row start for Race 3. He made a strong getaway in Race 1, comfortably leading from Fionn and maintaining control in a trouble-free run to victory.
Sunday morning’s Race 2, also held in wet conditions, proved more demanding. Leo had to manage two Safety Car restarts but remained in control, once again keeping his team-mate behind to seal another win.
Leo Robinson:
“When we came here a couple of months ago for testing, I knew we’d be strong, and that’s exactly how it played out.”
Leo continued:
“I’ve had a mega weekend, and I’ve really enjoyed competing in the Formula Winter Series – it’s a great championship. Hopefully, I can carry this form into the British Formula 4 season with Hitech.”
Fionn shadowed Leo in both of the first two races, converting his second-place finishes into two Rookie Class victories, securing the overall Rookie title. However, in the final race, the Red Bull Junior Team driver stalled at the start and later suffered a left-rear puncture, ultimately finishing just behind team-mate Emily Cotty.
Earlier in the weekend, Emily had earned silverware by claiming victory in the Female Trophy.
The final race of the weekend at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was action-packed. Thomas Bearman led from third on the grid but was later handed a five-second time penalty for a jump start. Although he couldn’t extend a big enough gap to negate the penalty, he was classified second overall and secured the top rookie spot.
Leo initially ran second but was also given a five-second penalty for contact with a rival, dropping him to eighth in the final classification. With two wins, a Vice-Champion title for Leo, a Rookie Class championship for Fionn, and multiple podiums across the weekend, Hitech signed off from the Formula Winter Series in style.