Rafael Câmara enters his 2026 F2 season with Invicta Racing after claiming the 2025 F3 Drivers’ Championship. The Brazilian joins the reigning F2 Teams’ Champions for what could prove a pivotal campaign in his career. Speaking ahead of Barcelona pre-season testing, Câmara outlined his ambitions and preparation. His approach focuses on controlling what he can and finishing the season with no regrets.
Break and preparation for Câmara’s 2026 F2 season challenge
Câmara used the off-season to recharge before beginning intensive preparation for his 2026 F2 season. The Brazilian rookie balanced rest with maintaining his competitive edge throughout the winter break.
“I’m feeling good. I went home to recharge the batteries a bit after a good year. We also had the end of the year test, and everyone was pushing for the same goals,” Câmara stated.
The transition period allowed him to spend time with family while staying connected to motorsport. “I also have a strong teammate, Joshua. It was a good test in Abu Dhabi. After going back home to see family and friends, I did a bit of motorsports, then back to Europe, I started all the prep again,” he explained.
Câmara maintained consistent preparation throughout the break for his 2026 F2 season. Simulator work combined with physical training kept the young driver sharp during the off-season.
“Basically, I never really stopped the prep. Getting back into doing some sim and then also back into the routine of training and everything else. So, I’m feeling good ahead of the big challenge this year. I’m very excited to start this new chapter and new season ahead,” he added.
Abu Dhabi post-season test provides crucial F2 learning experience
Post-season testing at Yas Marina gave Câmara his first taste of F2 machinery. Three days of running with Invicta Racing allowed the Brazilian to understand the differences from F3. The step up presented new challenges that required adjustments during his 2026 F2 season preparation.
The physical differences between the cars immediately became apparent. “Of course, you feel like the car is a bit heavier. When driving, you just need to be a bit calmer. Also, with the turbo, there’s a big difference. It was quite natural to adapt and get used to the car quite quickly,” Câmara explained.
The initial test proved encouraging for Rafael Câmara ahead of his 2026 F2 season. His natural adaptation speed impressed the team during the crucial learning period.
“It was a very positive first few days with the car, because everything came very naturally. Also, working with the team, it felt like we’d been working together for a long time already. Like I said, I think the biggest difference I felt was the turbo.”
Technical adjustments required attention beyond just the increased power. Carbon brakes and pit stop procedures represented entirely new elements for the reigning F3 champion.
“The carbon brakes were a bit different than I was used to. Also, the pit stops that you never had before. It took a bit more time to get it right,” Câmara noted.
Following championship-winning footsteps
Invicta Racing’s recent history creates natural expectations for Câmara’s 2026 F2 season. Gabriel Bortoleto and Leonardo Fornaroli both won F2 titles after making the same step from Trident to Invicta Racing. The reigning F3 champion acknowledges the precedent without feeling burdened by it.
Câmara views the team’s track record as confidence-building rather than pressure-inducing. “Seeing what Gabriel and Leo did, of course gives you some confidence that I’ll be with one of the best teams on the grid. But for now, I’m focused on myself and preparing for the season with my team and take things race-by-race. It’s a long championship. You don’t win in the beginning,” he stated.
The learning process takes priority during his 2026 F2 season approach. Câmara recognizes that immediate success would be ideal but maintains realistic expectations about the adaptation period.
“I think the process will be about learning. If we can start like last year, it will be perfect. But it will be the same mindset whatever happens in the beginning, we just keep working to get better through the season and always do our best when we can and control the things that I can control.”
No regrets philosophy for Câmara’s 2026 F2 season title challenge
Câmara’s approach to his 2026 F2 season centers on controlling variables within his power. The driver accepts that external factors will inevitably impact results throughout the championship. His mental framework focuses on preparation and execution rather than dwelling on circumstances beyond his influence.
“Some things are not under my control will probably happen sometimes. A bit of bad luck or things that are not under your control and you cannot do anything. So, I don’t spend too much energy on these things and instead focus on the goal: fighting for the championship,” he stated.
The overriding objective for Câmara’s 2026 F2 season remains straightforward. He wants to extract maximum performance from every opportunity while accepting the inherent uncertainty of motorsport.
“I just want to finish the season with no regrets,” Câmara concluded.
