In a move to realign GP2 as a solid feeder series to F1, the FIA has renamed the series Formula 2. Seven drivers on the current F1 grid have driven in GP2, or F2 as it is now known. 

The news emerged that Haas will maintain its current setup, effectively preventing protege and F2 star Charles Leclerc from getting a seat next season. Leclerc, who is set to win this year’s F2 title, finds himself in an unlucky position.

The FIA’s Single-Seater Commission President Stefano Domenicali explained the decision back in March

“With FIA Formula 2, we now have everything we need to craft a clear and logical path for single seater drivers from grassroots for Formula One. As they progress from karting, we have FIA Formula 4 at national level in countries all over the world, and from there the FIA Formula 3 European Championship is a fantastic proving ground before drivers take on the challenge of competing on the world stage.

For us to now have FIA F2 in this process makes the whole thing complete, and we are looking forward to making FIA F2 a strong and popular series for drivers and fans alike.”

– Stefano Domenicali

The drivers that made the leap from GP2 to F1:

1.DIG Coach Kim

Source: Riot Games

2.aphromoo academy

3.Sports academy

Source: sportsacademy

4.Turtle Doublelift

Source: lolesports

5.5. MSF PowerOfEvil

Misfits fans will rightfully feel aggrieved by PowerOfEvil's ranking. The MSF mid laner is arguably enjoying his best ever split since joining the EU LCS, rivalling Caps for his level of game impact.

6.FLY WILDTURTLE

Week 2 Day 3 at 2017 NA LCS Summer Split in Los Angeles, California, USA on 11 June 2017.

7.FLY WildTurtle TSM

Source: Riot Games Flickr

8.Clark Gracie (3rd Generation)

(Image source/Pinterest)

9.CLG IMT Feat

10.CLG DARSHAN AND IMT XMITHIE

Source: Riot Games Flickr

11.CLG Victory

Source: Riot Games Flickr

12.CLG Stixxay

Source: Riot Games Flickr

13.Darshan

Source: Riot Games Flickr

14.

15.Rio Haryanto

Source: Twitter

16.IMT Ssong

Source: Riot Games Flickr

17.DIG Koreans

Source: Riot Games Flickr

18.IMT Ssong Feat

19.IMT OLLEH AND COACH SSONG

Week 3 Day 2 at 2017 NA LCS Summer Split in Los Angeles, California, USA on 17 June 2017.

20.Fnatic Caps EU LCS Mid Lane Power Rankings

"It's always hard to do a ranking, but I just feel like when I play against other mid laners, there isn't any mid laner in particular that stands out right now."

21.1. FNC Caps

Caps: "I chose to put myself highest, someone has to be."

22.3: G2 PerkZ

Caps: "Last split there was PerkZ who stood out and every time you played him, you could feel it. But right now, he's not really standing out."

23.4. H2K Febiven

Caps' predecessor only makes fourth place on the list, perhaps reflective of the ease with which Fnatic dispatched H2K-Gaming ahead of the power rankings drafting process.

24.10. MM Cozq

Caps did not provide any comment in his ranking of CozQ, though the Mysterious Monkeys mid laner has evidently done little to impress Caps in his debut EU LCS split.

25.8. NiP Nagne

Former KT Rolster mid laner, Nagne certainly has the pedigree to be higher up the ranking. Perhaps weighed down by his team, Nagne only ranks 8th on Caps' list.

26.9. ROC Betsy

An EU LCS veteran, Betsy has been a relatively consistent performer for ROCCAT. His abilities have rarely captured the spotlight however, and Caps does not consider the ROC mid to be a threat despite him having handed Fnatic their only loss of the split so far.

The Formula 2 series joined up, or will join up, with its big brother at Sakir, Barcelona, Monaco, Baku, Speilberg, Silverstone, Budapest, Spa, Monza and Abu Dhabi. The series boasts a strong looking field for the 2017 season, including Charles Leclerc and Jordan King.

The Last Mile: Moving up from F3

The alignment will hopefully encourage Formula One teams to look directly at the feeder series for promising yet proven talent, and should also increase the following as the audience is given a more obvious association with the name change.

GP2 Architect Bruno michel is also happy with the change, stating,

“The FIA has fully embraced GP2’s core values which will now be adopted by Formula 2; a powerful, safe and challenging car, enthralling races, and a training ground to enter Formula 1 with a particular focus on cost control.

This is a great opportunity for our drivers, our teams and our partners.”

– Bruno Michel

F2 still runs a naturally aspirated V8 engine and the cars can get for 0-100km/h in 2.9 seconds, so at least there will be a bit of noise at ten of the Grand Prix on the Formula One calendar.