APEX RACEWIRE Newsroom
Benavides Campaign Illustrates Stiff Challenges Facing American Drivers on Formula 2 Ladder
An analysis of American drivers in GP2 and Formula 2 shows how premature promotion can stall progress, with Brad Benavides' scoreless 2023 campaign underscoring the championship's steep learning curve.
By Lesley Bakker - 2025-09-14T14:39:47.000Z - 2 min read
Evaluating the history of American drivers pursuing a path to Formula 1 through GP2 and Formula 2 underlines the immense challenge of adapting to Europe's top junior category. Climbing onto the final step below Grand Prix racing requires precise timing, as jumping up the ladder too early can halt a driver's momentum before their career establishes a firm foothold.
An examination of American competitors in the category places a spotlight on the inherent risks of graduating to Formula 2 without a proven record in foundational categories. Brad Benavides' 2023 season features prominently in that broader assessment, serving as a case study for how stepping up during difficult periods in lower series can complicate a driver's progression.
Benavides made his Formula 2 debut in 2023 at 21 years old, stepping into the championship after experiencing significant struggles in lower single-seater racing. Taking on an 18-race program, the American driver faced an uphill battle from the start as he attempted to acclimatize to high-downforce machinery while competing against a highly experienced grid of rivals.
Throughout his 18 race starts during the 2023 campaign, execution on track yielded limited tangible rewards. Benavides concluded his season without scoring a single championship point, missing out on point-paying positions across the calendar while trying to establish consistency in a field where small gaps separated the midfield contenders from the back of the grid.
The driver's highest finish of the entire season came in the form of a 10th-place result in a single race. Outside of that peak performance, Benavides recorded zero pole positions, zero podium finishes and zero victories during his campaign, reflecting the tough environment he faced on track throughout his time in the series.
In the final driver standings for 2023, Benavides ended the year ranked 22nd overall. Associated with AIX Racing in paddock photography from his campaign, his final return highlighted the stark reality for young talent attempting to bridge the gap to Formula 2 without the momentum gained from victories or titles in prerequisite junior championships.
Looking back at the roster of American drivers who have tackled GP2 and Formula 2 over the years, sustained success has consistently depended on matching ladder movement with readiness. For Benavides, his 18-race stint in 2023 remains a clear reminder of how demanding the intermediate level can be when early promotion outpaces results on track.