After completing his FIA Formula 3 campaign with Campos Racing, Nikola Tsolov was among a select few drivers from the 2025 F3 grid to have the opportunity to step up to FIA Formula 2 (F2) for the final two rounds of the season.
Racing alongside Arvid Lindblad, a confirmed 2026 Formula 1 driver for Racing Bulls, Tsolov quickly demonstrated that he belonged at the next level. Exceeding expectations from the outset, the Bulgarian delivered a composed and competitive performance, culminating in his maiden Formula 2 podium during his second race weekend in the championship.
Strong debut in Qatar
Tsolov made his FIA F2 2025 debut at the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar, immediately demonstrating his ability to adapt quickly to the step up in both machinery and competition. In qualifying, the Bulgarian placed himself firmly inside the top ten with a P7 result, providing a solid foundation for his first weekend in the championship.
The Sprint Race saw Tsolov deliver an impressive performance, running in podium contention for much of the race. However, his hopes of a top-three finish were dashed in the closing stages when contact with Villagomez forced him into the gravel trap, denying him a debut podium by the narrowest of margins.
He responded strongly in the Feature Race. Despite receiving a five-second time penalty for an unsafe release during his pit stop, Tsolov brought the car home in P7, securing his first FIA Formula 2 points on debut. The result capped off a promising opening weekend and underlined his ability to compete towards the front of the field.
Breakthrough weekend in Abu Dhabi
Arriving at the Yas Marina Circuit for the 2025 F2 season finale, Tsolov faced a significantly tougher challenge. A qualifying infringement for impeding Luke Browning resulted in a three-place grid penalty for both races, immediately placing him on the back foot and forcing him to fight his way through the field.
Despite the setback, Tsolov produced a standout drive in the Sprint Race. Maximising his race pace and executing a series of clean, decisive overtakes, he charged from P5 to finish P3, securing his maiden FIA Formula 2 podium. The result capped off a strong outing for Campos Racing, with teammate Arvid Lindblad claiming victory.
The Feature Race, however, proved more challenging. Tsolov remained out in the hopes of a late Safety Car that would allow him to pit without sacrificing track position. But when none appeared, he was forced to make his stop on Lap 28. The strategy dropped him down the order, and he ultimately crossed the line in P12.
A strong early showing in Formula 2
Across just two FIA Formula 2 weekends, Nikola Tsolov showed maturity, speed and racecraft well beyond his limited experience in the series. With a near-podium on debut, a Sprint Race podium in Abu Dhabi, and another points finish in Qatar, his late-season appearance served as a clear statement of his readiness for the next level.
This year, Tsolov will drive for Campos Racing alongside Noel León for the FIA F2 2026 season.
