The final round of the 2025 BOSS GP Racing Series at Misano delivered a spectacular finish to an already dominant season for Irish driver Paul O’Connell, who secured the European Formula Class Championship title in the HS Engineering Dallara World Series V8.
🏁 Race Weekend Overview
Coming into Misano with the Formula Class lead, the objective was clear: stay consistent, finish strong, and bring the title home to Ireland. The weekend began with two productive practice sessions on Friday, where O’Connell and the team at HS Engineering fine-tuned the setup to maximise balance and tyre performance around the demanding Italian circuit.
In qualifying, Paul delivered an outstanding lap of 1:23.692, placing him P3 overall — behind only the faster GP2 cars, which enjoy approximately a 50 bhp power advantage. His pace made him the fastest driver in the Formula Class and set the tone for a confident race weekend.
🏆 Race 1 – Securing the Championship
A clean, calculated drive in Race 1 was all that was needed to clinch the title. Paul kept pace with the GP2 front-runners while maintaining his class lead, bringing the car home safely to secure the 2025 BOSS GP Formula Class Championship — marking the first time an Irish driver has achieved this feat.
It’s a monumental moment for Irish motorsport and a testament to years of perseverance, precision, and performance.
🔥 Race 2 – A Champion’s Drive
Starting from the second row in Race 2, O’Connell faced challenging conditions on worn tyres. Despite reduced grip and several lively oversteer moments, he showed exceptional control and racecraft. The Gibson V8 engine performed flawlessly as Paul found rhythm mid-race, ultimately finishing first in the Formula Class and third overall, setting the fastest Formula lap with a 1:24.661.
“It was one of those races where experience and patience made the difference,” Paul said. “The tyres were on edge, but the balance was good, and the car ran perfectly. A proper fight from start to finish.”
🙌 A Season of Dedication
From his roots in Crecora, Ireland, to standing atop the European stage, Paul O’Connell’s 2025 season represents the pinnacle of Irish privateer racing. Supported by HS Engineering, Zele Racing, and Crecora Mills, O’Connell demonstrated consistency, technical mastery, and the hallmark determination that defines true racers.
Maxflo Motorsport is proud to support and celebrate Paul’s incredible achievement — a landmark victory for Irish motorsport. From Formula Boss Ireland Champion to European Champion — what a journey.
Congratulations, Paul. 🇮🇪👏
