WATCH: F2 race abandoned after massive crash in Sochi, with Zhou declared half-points winner

Renault junior Guanyu Zhou finally has his first win in Formula 2, though it wasn't quite how he’d have imagined, with the Sprint Race ending early in Russia after a nasty collision between Luca Ghiotto and Jack Aitken.

The duo were battling for fourth position but caught one another at speed and were flung into the wall in what was a very heavy shunt at Turn 3. Both drivers walked away safely, but the scale of repairs needed to the safety barriers meant that the decision was taken not to restart the race.

WATCH: ROAD TO F1 – Schumacher strengthens F2 points lead with victory over Tsunoda and title rival Ilott in Sochi

With more than 25% of the 21-lap race left to run, only half points are awarded to the grid, leaving Zhou with a sense of frustration after a dominant start to the race.

Nikita Mazepin secured his fifth podium of the season at his home event, taking second, but once again it was Mick Schumacher who caught the eye. The Feature Race winner launched off the line from eighth and claimed four positions in the first turn alone, daringly diving down the inside line.

READ MORE: Schumacher calm on F2 title chances, despite strengthening grip in Russia

The German capped off his race with a cool move on Aitken for the final podium position, ahead of the red flag.

Schumacher now has the chance to catch his breath after an incredible 10 rounds of racing in just 13 weeks. The title battle will resume in Bahrain in two months, and the German knows he’ll need to be rejuvenated and refreshed if he is to clinch the crown. He holds a 22-point lead over Callum Ilott in the standings after this Sprint Race.

For more on F2, visit the official series website.