2026 | F4 CEZ | Round 1 | Spielberg | Walther leads the way after thrilling opener

Karishma Persad09 mins
Walther leads 2026 F4 CEZ standings after dramatic Spielberg opener featuring four races, intense battles and multiple winners.
Photo Credit: F4 CEZ
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The 2026 F4 Central European Zone (CEZ) Championship launched in spectacular fashion at the Red Bull Ring, where a record-breaking grid created one of the most competitive weekends in the series’ history. With more than 40 drivers on the entry list, organisers introduced a split format featuring two qualifying sessions and four races. As a result, teams and drivers had to adapt quickly to a demanding schedule.

From the very beginning, the weekend delivered close margins, strategic racing and high-pressure moments. While several drivers showed race-winning pace, consistency ultimately proved decisive. Therefore, David Walther emerged as the early championship leader after combining strong performances with two crucial victories.

2026 CEZ Free Practice sets the tone in Spielberg

To begin the weekend, Free Practice offered the first glimpse of the competitive order. Teo Borenstein immediately set the pace and topped the session with a lap of 1:33.241. However, the margins remained extremely tight, as David Walther finished just 0.042 seconds behind. Meanwhile, Simon Rechenmacher secured third place, further underlining the depth of talent in the field.

Notably, the session featured interruptions due to red flags, yet drivers still managed to complete meaningful running. Consequently, teams gathered valuable data ahead of qualifying. In addition, several midfield drivers stayed within a second of the leader, which highlighted how competitive the grid would be throughout the weekend.

Free Practice: Results

  1. #20 Teo Borenstein – 1:33.241
  2. #7 David Walther – +0.042
  3. #3 Simon Rechenmacher – +0.133
  4. #144 Max Karhan – +0.249
  5. #22 Elia Weiss – +0.300
  6. #8 Andreas Lo Bue – +0.562
  7. #78 Francesco Pio Coppola – +0.564
  8. #86 Aleksandar Bogunovic – +0.615
  9. #29 Lyuboslav Ruykov – +0.624
  10. #99 Antonio Errigo – +0.874
  11. #12 Bien Cezary – +0.979
  12. #21 Ella Häkkinen – +0.990
  13. #25 Georgiy Zasov – +1.094
  14. #31 Knud Eske Nilesen – +1.180
  15. #76 Jorge-Luis Bruno – +1.200
  16. #18 Mathilda Paatz – +1.201
  17. #35 Filippo Fiorentino – +1.338
  18. #77 Viktor Snebjorn Poulsen – +1.344
  19. #88 David Gorcica – +1.348
  20. #10 Ginevra Panzeri – +1.355
  21. #427 Stefan Treneski – +1.376
  22. #17 Frantisek Nemec – +1.423
  23. #5 Igor Polak – +1.468
  24. #6 Tomas Rudokas – +1.577
  25. #15 Alexandre Louza – +1.596
  26. #61 Alexia Danielsson – +1.628
  27. #555 Benet Gaspar – +1.644
  28. #27 Agustín Sepulveda – +1.783
  29. #14 Nikolaj Dyrved – +1.808
  30. #2 Erik Poulsen – +1.864
  31. #26 Markas Silkunas – +1.873
  32. #11 Albert Pisarik – +2.040
  33. #9 Jade Jacquet – +2.091
  34. #75 Michalina Sabaj – +2.092
  35. #96 Leo Nilsson – +2.117
  36. #13 Samuil Ivanov – +2.172
  37. #69 Miroslav Kepak – +2.237
  38. #33 Tobias Pasko – +2.375
  39. #19 Patrik Lipovics – +2.506
  40. #52 Mio Olert – +2.574
  41. #65 Roman Roubicek – +4.961
  42. #42 Noah-Daniel Noelken – +6.026

2026 F4 CEZ Qualifying: Split sessions deliver close battles in Sielberg

Next, Qualifying introduced a new format, as organisers divided the field into two groups to manage the large number of entries. This approach ensured clean track conditions and gave every driver a fair opportunity to set a competitive lap.

In Heat 1, Borenstein continued his strong form and secured pole position. He led a dominant performance from Jenzer Motorsport, with teammate Elia Weiss finishing second. Meanwhile, Simon Rechenmacher and Lyuboslav Ruykov followed closely, ensuring a tightly contested top four.

In contrast, Heat 2 produced an equally competitive session. Max Karhan claimed pole position, narrowly edging David Walther by less than a tenth of a second. Furthermore, Georgiy Zasov and Markas Silkunas reinforced Jenzer Motorsport’s strength by securing third and fourth places. Overall, Qualifying confirmed that several drivers could challenge for victory across the weekend.

Qualifying: Heat 1 Results

  1. #20 Teo Borenstein – 1:32.133
  2. #22 Elia Weiss – +0.466
  3. #3 Simon Rechenmacher – +0.599
  4. #29 Lyuboslav Ruykov – +0.744
  5. #21 Ella Häkkinen – +1.046
  6. #78 Francesco Pio Coppola – +1.062
  7. #31 Knud Eske Nielsen – +1.248
  8. #2 Erik Poulsen – +1.299
  9. #10 Ginevra Panzeri – +1.383
  10. #18 Mathilda Paatz – +1.449
  11. #61 Alexia Danielsson – +1.616
  12. #75 Michalina Sabaj – +1.616
  13. #17 Frantisek Nemec – +1.619
  14. #52 Mio Olet – +1.752
  15. #6 Tomas Rudokas – +1.798
  16. #27 Agustin Sepulveda – +1.830
  17. #77 Viktor Snebjorn Poulsen – +2.041
  18. #11 Albert Psarik – +2.516
  19. #13 Samuil Ivanov – +2.769
  20. #33 Tobias Pasko – +2.925
  21. #42 Noah-Daniel Noelken – +6.097

Qualifying: Heat 2 Results

From the uploaded Heat 2 qualifying results (page 1), formatted as requested:

  1. #144 Max Karhan – 1:32.242
  2. #7 David Walther – +0.095
  3. #25 Georgiy Zasov – +0.390
  4. #26 Markas Silkunas – +0.751
  5. #9 Jade Jacquet – +0.895
  6. #86 Aleksandr Bogunovic – +0.934
  7. #76 Jorge-Luis Bruno – +1.077
  8. #56 Igor Polak – +1.187
  9. #8 Andreas Lo Bue – +1.188
  10. #35 Filippo Fiorentino – +1.248
  11. #555 Benet Gaspar – +1.337
  12. #88 David Gorcica – +1.368
  13. #427 Stefan Treneski – +1.476
  14. #15 Alexandre Louza – +1.487
  15. #14 Nikolaj Dryverd – +1.856
  16. #96 Leo Nilsson – +1.922
  17. #19 Patrik Lipovics – +2.017
  18. #69 Miroslav Kepak – +2.365
  19. #65 Roman Roubicek – +4.145

DNS. #99 Antonin Errigo

2026 F4 CEZ: Race 1: Borenstein converts pole into victory in Spielberg

Following Qualifying, Race 1 marked the official start of the season. Borenstein made a strong start and maintained control throughout the race, demonstrating both pace and composure under pressure. Although David Walther initially challenged for the lead, Max Karhan soon recovered from a slow start and moved into second place.

As the race progressed, Borenstein managed the gap effectively and resisted Karhan’s late charge. Meanwhile, Walther secured third place after a consistent performance. Importantly, the race ran cleanly despite the large grid, which highlighted the discipline of the drivers.

Race 1 (Group A + B) Results

From the Race 1 final results (pages 1–2), formatted as requested:

  1. #20 Teo Borenstein – 26:30.594
  2. #144 Max Karhan – +0.474
  3. #7 David Walther – +1.492
  4. #3 Simon Rechenmacher – +5.406
  5. #29 Lyuboslav Ruykov – +7.051
  6. #78 Francesco Pio Coppola – +10.933
  7. #26 Markas Silkunas – +11.685
  8. #35 Filippo Fiorentino – +16.151
  9. #31 Knud Eske Nielsen – +17.198
  10. #555 Benet Gaspar – +24.831
  11. #10 Ginevra Panzeri – +25.882
  12. #18 Mathilda Paatz – +27.855
  13. #75 Michalina Sabaj – +29.612
  14. #15 Alexandre Louza – +33.526
  15. #5 Igor Polak – +35.234
  16. #6 Tomas Rudokas – +35.802
  17. #17 Frantisek Nemec – +39.836
  18. #69 Miroslav Kepak – +44.149
  19. #427 Stefan Treneski – +44.824
  20. #76 Jorge-Luis Bruno – +45.568
  21. #96 Leo Nilsson – +45.953
  22. #9 Jade Jacquet – +46.418
  23. #27 Agustin Sepulveda – +49.789
  24. #33 Tobias Pasko – +54.691
  25. #11 Albert Psarik – +1:08.418
  26. #42 Noah-Daniel Noelken – +1:16.261
  27. #65 Roman Roubicek – +1:24.067
  28. #77 Viktor Snebjorn Poulsen – -14 laps

2026 F4 CEZ: Race 2: Weiss wins strategic duel in Spielberg

In contrast, Race 2 emphasised strategy and race management. Elia Weiss took the lead early and controlled the pace under pressure from Karhan. The two drivers engaged in a close battle; however, Weiss maintained composure throughout.

Crucially, a late safety car reshaped the race. Weiss timed the restart perfectly and prevented any final-lap challenge. As a result, he secured his first victory of the season. Behind him, Karhan and Rechenmacher completed the podium, further demonstrating the consistency of the frontrunners.

Race 2 (Group B + C) Results

  1. #22 Elia Weiss – 25:02.227
  2. #144 Max Karhan – +0.516
  3. #3 Simon Rechenmacher – +0.627
  4. #25 Georgiy Zasov – +0.900
  5. #8 Andreas Lo Bue – +1.714
  6. #88 David Gorcica – +2.461
  7. #78 Francesco Pio Coppola – +2.621
  8. #21 Ella Häkkinen – +3.341
  9. #26 Markas Silkunas – +3.588
  10. #427 Stefan Treneski – +3.798
  11. #99 Antonio Errigo – +4.206
  12. #10 Ginevra Panzeri – +4.522
  13. #27 Agustin Sepulveda – +5.494
  14. #2 Erik Poulsen – +5.819
  15. #86 Aleksandar Bogunovic – +5.820
  16. #77 Viktor Snebjorn Poulsen – +5.974
  17. #61 Alexia Danielsson – +5.992
  18. #76 Jorge-Luis Bruno – +6.311
  19. #75 Michalina Sabaj – +6.416
  20. #35 Filippo Fiorentino – +6.521
  21. #19 Patrik Lipovics – +6.788
  22. #13 Samuil Ivanov – +7.034
  23. #52 Mio Olert – +7.392
  24. #69 Miroslav Kepak – +14.909
  25. #14 Nikolaj Dryverd – -10 laps
  26. #33 Tobias Pasko – -1 lap
  27. #6 Tomas Rudokas – —

2026 F4 CEZ: Race 3: Walther inherits victory after penalty drama

Subsequently, Race 3 introduced controversy. Borenstein initially crossed the line in first place after building a comfortable lead. However, race officials later penalised him for exceeding track limits.

Consequently, David Walther inherited the victory, marking a significant turning point in the weekend. This result rewarded his consistency and racecraft, while Weiss secured another podium finish. Meanwhile, several midfield battles added further excitement throughout the race.

Race 3 (Group A + C) Results

  1. #7 David Walther – 26:31.775
  2. #20 Teo Borenstein – +0.664
  3. #22 Elia Weiss – +1.843
  4. #29 Lyuboslav Ruykov – +11.822
  5. #86 Aleksandar Bogunovic – +12.153
  6. #25 Georgiy Zasov – +13.927
  7. #18 Mathilda Paatz – +14.439
  8. #8 Andreas Lo Bue – +15.288
  9. #31 Knud Eske Nielsen – +17.543
  10. #2 Erik Poulsen – +18.357
  11. #21 Ella Häkkinen – +21.682
  12. #9 Jade Jacquet – +23.505
  13. #61 Alexia Danielsson – +24.754
  14. #5 Igor Polak – +24.857
  15. #15 Alexandre Louza – +28.284
  16. #52 Mio Olert – +38.301
  17. #17 Frantisek Nemec – +40.192
  18. #96 Leo Nilsson – +42.007
  19. #11 Albert Psarik – +44.782
  20. #19 Patrik Lipovics – +51.534
  21. #42 Noah-Daniel Noelken – +58.824
  22. #65 Roman Roubicek – +1:28.727
  23. #99 Antonio Errigo – -16 laps
  24. #13 Samuil Ivanov – +1:23.661
  25. #14 Nikolaj Dryverd – -15 laps
  26. #555 Benet Gaspar – -13 laps
  27. #88 David Gorcica – —

2026 F4 CEZ: Race 4: Walther seals the Spielberg weekend in style

Finally, Race 4 delivered a dramatic conclusion. Walther started strongly and quickly moved into the lead. Despite multiple interruptions, including safety cars and red flags, he remained composed and controlled the race from the front.

Furthermore, Elia Weiss and Max Karhan completed the podium, ensuring another strong result for Jenzer Motorsport. However, incidents throughout the field affected several drivers, which demonstrated the challenging nature of the race.

Race 4 Results

  1. #7 David Walther – 20:11.891
  2. #22 Elia Weiss – +0.559
  3. #144 Max Karhan – +1.052
  4. #86 Aleksandar Bogunovic – +2.083
  5. #25 Georgiy Zasov – +2.539
  6. #78 Francesco Pio Coppola – +2.802
  7. #88 David Gorcica – +2.996
  8. #26 Markas Silkunas – +3.517
  9. #18 Mathilda Paatz – +3.594
  10. #427 Stefan Treneski – +3.978
  11. #555 Benet Gaspar – +4.370
  12. #21 Ella Häkkinen – +5.633
  13. #5 Igor Polak – +6.136
  14. #3 Simon Rechenmacher – +6.673
  15. #61 Alexia Danielsson – +6.704
  16. #77 Viktor Snebjorn Poulsen – +6.871
  17. #27 Agustin Sepulveda – +7.774
  18. #76 Jorge-Luis Bruno – +7.955
  19. #17 Frantisek Nemec – +8.495
  20. #15 Alexandre Louza – +9.003
  21. #99 Antonio Errigo – +9.399
  22. #29 Lyuboslav Ruykov – +9.762
  23. #75 Michalina Sabaj – +10.557
  24. #2 Erik Poulsen – +10.618
  25. #9 Jade Jacquet – +10.873
  26. #20 Teo Borenstein – +16.044
  27. #31 Knud Eske Nielsen – -8 laps
  28. #8 Andreas Lo Bue – -8 laps
  29. #52 Mio Olert – -8 laps

DNF:

  • #10 Ginevra Panzari
  • #35 Filippo Fiorentino

Championship standings after Round 1

Following the opening round, David Walther leads the championship with 66 points. Importantly, his consistency across all four races allowed him to build a narrow advantage over Elia Weiss. Meanwhile, Max Karhan remains firmly in contention in third place.

Although Teo Borenstein showed strong pace, penalties and inconsistent results dropped him to fourth. Therefore, the standings highlight how crucial reliability and discipline remain in such a competitive championship.

Drivers’ Standings

From the standings after Red Bull Ring, formatted as requested:

  1. #7 David Walther – 66
  2. #22 Elia Weiss – 61
  3. #144 Max Karhan – 56
  4. #20 Teo Borenstein – 45
  5. #25 Georgiy Zasov – 34
  6. #3 Simon Rechenmacher – 31
  7. #78 Francesco Pio Coppola – 29
  8. #86 Aleksandar Bogunovic – 27
  9. #29 Lyuboslav Ruykov – 24
  10. #26 Markas Silkunas – 24
  11. #18 Mathilda Paatz – 20
  12. #8 Andreas Lo Bue – 19
  13. #88 David Gorcica – 19
  14. #21 Ella Häkkinen – 17
  15. #31 Knud Eske Nielsen – 14
  16. #427 Stefan Treneski – 12
  17. #555 Benet Gaspar – 11
  18. #10 Ginevra Panzeri – 9
  19. #35 Filippo Fiorentino – 8
  20. #2 Erik Poulsen – 7
  21. #5 Igor Polak – 6
  22. #99 Antonio Errigo – 5
  23. #9 Jade Jacquet – 4
  24. #61 Alexia Danielsson – 4
  25. #15 Alexandre Louza – 3
  26. #75 Michalina Sabaj – 3
  27. #77 Viktor Snebjorn Poulsen – 2
  28. #27 Agustin Sepulveda – 1
  29. #76 Jorge-Luis Bruno – 0
  30. #17 Frantisek Nemec – 0
  31. #96 Leo Nilsson – 0
  32. #11 Albert Psarik – 0
  33. #42 Noah-Daniel Noelken – 0
  34. #65 Roman Roubicek – 0
  35. #19 Patrik Lipovics – 0
  36. #13 Samuil Ivanov – 0
  37. #52 Mio Olert – 0
  38. #69 Miroslav Kepak – 0
  39. #14 Nikolaj Dryverd – 0
  40. #33 Tobias Pasko – 0
  41. #6 Tomas Rudokas – 0

Conclusion

In summary, the Red Bull Ring delivered a thrilling start to the 2026 F4 CEZ season. Each session revealed different strengths, from raw pace in practice to strategic execution in the races. Moreover, the four-race format added further complexity and excitement.

Ultimately, David Walther emerged as the early championship leader thanks to his consistency and ability to capitalise on opportunities. However, with Weiss, Karhan and Borenstein all showing strong pace, the title fight remains wide open. As the championship heads to the next round, the competition promises to become even more intense.

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