Oleksandr Bondarev Claims His First Formula 4 Win: How It Happened
In the round's third race, the Ukrainian finished first, gaining a position during the race.
Oleksandr Bondarev claimed his first-ever single-seater win. It happened during the fifth round of the Italian Formula 4 season, held August 1–3 in Imola. With the win, the Kyiv native not only brought Ukraine its first series victory since 2019, but also claimed his first-ever career pole position during the round.
The Imola round was the last for the young drivers before the summer break. In parallel, Bondarev is also competing in the E4 Championship, where he leads the rookie standings.
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How Oleksandr Bondarev Fared at the Fifth Italian F4 Round
- In free practice, Prema Racing driver Oleksandr Bondarev posted the 16th- and first-fastest times. In qualifying, Bondarev finished second, and for the third race he claimed his first-ever Formula 4 pole position.
- Due to a penalty, Oleksandr started the first race fourth and finished in the same position — his best result of the championship.
- The second race was canceled due to a major crash at the start. If the race is rerun, it will take place during a later Formula 4 round, with starting positions and the 25-minute-plus-one-lap timing preserved. The FIA has not yet provided information on rescheduling.
- In the third race, Bondarev started from pole but lost the lead on the first lap. For most of the race, the Ukrainian held second, before reclaiming first place three minutes from the finish, passing championship leader Kean Nakamura-Berta on track. With that, Oleksandr claimed his first Formula 4 win.
As a result, after the Imola round, Bondarev has 54 points to his name and holds provisional 11th place in the drivers' standings. Among rookies, the Ukrainian sits fifth.
Italian Formula 4 2025 Standings After the Imola Round
- Kean Nakamura-Berta (Prema Racing) — 246 points
- Gabriel Gomez (US Racing) — 191
- Sebastian Wheldon (Prema Racing) — 159
…
11. Oleksandr Bondarev (Prema Racing) — 54
The next Italian Formula 4 round takes place September 19–21 in Barcelona.