Roman Staněk’s 2025 FIA F2 campaign was a season defined by patience and progression. After moving to Invicta Racing for what was a crucial year in his junior career, the Czech driver endured a challenging opening phase before producing his strongest run of form yet at F2 level, ending the year as a consistent front-runner and a regular presence at the sharp end of the grid.
A fresh start with Invicta Racing
Staněk entered 2025 looking for a reset. Having shown flashes of speed in his 2023 and 2024 F2 seasons but struggling to consistently convert potential into results, his switch to Invicta Racing offered a new environment and a chance to rebuild confidence.
Early signs were encouraging in terms of raw pace, particularly over one lap, but results did not immediately follow. While points finishes arrived sporadically in the opening rounds, the season failed to fully ignite, leaving Staněk hovering outside the championship’s upper order.
Early struggles and a mid-season low
The first third of the season was marked by inconsistency. Qualifying speed was often present, but races were more complicated. He only had 4 points finishes from the first five rounds, with a best result of P5 in the Melbourne and Jeddah Sprint Races. Strategic setbacks, difficult starts and race incidents limited his ability to capitalise, with Barcelona emerging as a clear low point.
That weekend proved pivotal. Despite competitive pace, Staněk walked away with little to show for it, later describing the period as one where he had to reassess both his mindset and approach. Rather than forcing results, he shifted his focus toward execution and consistency — a change that would soon pay dividends.
Momentum builds and confidence returns
From mid-season onwards, Staněk’s campaign took a decisive turn. Improved race management and growing comfort within the team translated into tangible results, as he began to string together strong weekends.
A run of podium finishes across consecutive rounds firmly established him as a front-runner, while his performances became notably more controlled and assured. Where earlier races had slipped away, Staněk was now maximising opportunities and consistently fighting inside the top ten.
Breakthrough moments: poles and a Feature Race win
The high points of Staněk’s season came in the second half of the year. In Budapest, he claimed his maiden Formula 2 pole position, leading an Invicta Racing front-row lockout. It was a clear demonstration of his one-lap speed and a moment that underlined how far his confidence had grown.
His defining result followed at Spa-Francorchamps. In a dramatic Feature Race, Staněk was ultimately classified as the winner following post-race penalties for cars ahead. While inherited, the victory still marked a significant milestone, his first Feature Race win of the season and a reward for sustained pressure and race-long execution at one of motorsport’s most demanding circuits.
Ending the season on a high
Staněk carried that momentum through to the final rounds, once again shining in qualifying. At Yas Marina, he secured pole position in the season finale, capping off the year with another statement performance over one lap.
A strong Feature Race result in Abu Dhabi ensured he finished the season inside the top ten in the Drivers’ Championship, ending 2025 with 105 points and his most complete Formula 2 campaign to date.
The bigger picture
While the championship position alone may not tell the full story, Staněk’s 2025 F2 season represented a clear step forward. The transformation from early-season frustration to late-season confidence highlighted both his adaptability and resilience. In particular, his improved consistency across race weekends, his Feature Race victory and several podiums and his strong qualifying performance demonstrated that he had the ability to respond to adversity and still grow as a driver among a highly competitive field.
