Ukrainian Driver Oleksandr Bondarev Makes History With Formula 4 Championship Win

Sixteen-year-old Ukrainian driver Oleksandr Bondarev has won the overall title in the UAE4 Series Formula 4 championship, becoming the first Ukrainian in history to claim the championship in this category.

The racer announced his victory on Instagram on February 13.

According to Sport.ua, ahead of the final two races of the season, Bondarev held a 23-point lead over his main rival, French driver Andy Cossani. To secure the title, the Ukrainian needed to finish no lower than ninth place. Cossani could only take the championship by winning the race while Bondarev finished tenth or lower.

The decisive race proved tense and dramatic. A safety car was deployed on the opening lap, and during the restart Bondarev made a mistake that cost him one position.

Cossani went on to win the race, with David Cosma finishing second and Christopher Costoya completing the podium. Bondarev crossed the line in fifth place, unable to reclaim fourth.

However, the result was more than enough to secure his first overall Formula 4 title and Ukraine’s first-ever championship in the category.

Earlier, Oleksandr Bondarev secured wins in both races of the second round of the F1 GP Trophy in Abu Dhabi, becoming the first Ukrainian to triumph at this level of competition.

Bondarev delivered a commanding display from the outset of the second round. Driving for the Prema team, he claimed pole position and led from start to finish, crossing the line in first place.

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