Nikola Tsolov has made a strong start to the 2026 Formula 2 season, but the Bulgarian remains grounded as he balances early success with a long-term focus on development.
The Campos Racing driver claimed a dominant victory in the Melbourne Feature Race, immediately putting himself at the top of the Drivers’ Standings. Despite that momentum, Tsolov’s mindset reflects the approach he outlined before the F2 season began, one centred on steady progress rather than immediate results.
“One step away from the dream”
Tsolov understands the significance of competing in F2, but he remains cautious about looking too far ahead.
“I definitely have goals for this year,” he said. “I mean ultimately in Formula 2 you’re just a step away from the dream we’re all racing here for.”
“So you should have a goal but still it’s race by race, round by round, lap by lap. It’s how I approach things because thinking too far ahead of yourself can get you in a deep hole.”
“I’m not trying to end up there, I just want to reach my personal goals and targets. That is what I’m looking for, I am not particularly looking at the results, I just want to improve and work on myself.”
Even after taking the championship lead, that philosophy continues to define his approach.
Learning from an Early Opportunity
Tsolov’s late call-up for the final two rounds of the 2025 season proved to be a valuable introduction to F2 machinery. He secured a podium in the Yas Marina Sprint Race and gained experience that he believes has been crucial heading into 2026.
“I think it was quite positive for me to do the last two rounds and to learn as much as I could about all the procedures I had to do,” said Tsolov.
“Everything was new to me, the pit stops, and the race starts are completely different, all the tyre compounds are different as well, the tyre size, everything was very different to what I’m used to.”
“But I got the chance and I took it and I think I adapted pretty well and obviously, it was good to have Arvid [Lindblad] alongside me who had done 12 rounds before that.”
“So he had a little bit more experience and to learn from him was quite useful for me and I can take some stuff into this year from what he was doing and add a bit of my touch.”
That experience has helped him hit the ground running this season.
Adapting to the Demands of F2
Stepping up from F3 to F2 requires a significant adjustment in driving style. Tsolov highlighted the technical differences between the two categories and the need to constantly operate at the limit.
“I think you have to adapt a lot,” said Tsolov on stepping up to F2. “In F2 you have to push yourself constantly to be on the limit and then play with it nicely.”
“You cannot combine as much as in Formula 3, where it’s a brake and turn at the same time and then you really send it into the corners.”
“In F2 you have to rotate the car really early on so you can be straight on the exit, so it’s a little bit more complex than even what it sounds. But the process of learning how to maximise your driving style for that car is quite interesting.”
“So I think as long as you’re fast enough too you can kind of be quick in anything. That’s a good way to put it.”
His ability to adapt quickly has already paid off in the opening round of the season.
Continuity with Campos Racing
A key factor in Tsolov’s transition has been his continued partnership with Campos Racing, a team with which he has enjoyed considerable success in recent years.
“I think staying with the team is a big thing for me,” he added. “But at the end of the day it’s completely a different team. I’ve changed the engineer, changed all my mechanics so it’s still a change from last year.”
“But I’m still going to the same workshop, training in the same place so it’s kind of like going home again so it’s all pretty similar.”
“The way of working is the same, so I think that’s just one less thing to worry about and to try to adapt to.”
While personnel changes have introduced new dynamics, the familiar environment has provided stability during a crucial step in his career.
A Measured Start to a Crucial Season
Tsolov’s Melbourne victory has established him as an early contender in the 2026 F2 championship, but his focus remains firmly on development rather than headlines.
By approaching the season race by race and prioritising improvement, he aims to build consistency across the year. With F1 in sight, Tsolov knows that sustained performance will matter far more than a single strong result.
