Rafael Villagómez began his 2026 FIA Formula 2 Championship campaign with a determined and composed performance in Melbourne, narrowly missing out on a points finish. Villagómez crossed the line in P11 on Sunday, yet his 2026 Melbourne F2 Feature Race told a deeper story than the final classification suggested.
He demonstrated strong pace throughout the Feature Race, working his way forward and showing the kind of racecraft that had defined his late-2025 performances. Although the result brought an end to his run of consecutive points finishes, it nevertheless confirmed that his upward trajectory remains firmly intact.
Importantly, Villagómez has carried forward the consistency he established during the closing stages of last season. That momentum now provides a solid platform as he looks to convert competitive pace into regular points finishes and, ultimately, podium contention in 2026.
Continuity with Van Amersfoort Racing proving valuable as Villagómez targets success in 2026 F2 campaign
A key factor behind Villagómez’s growing confidence lies in his continued partnership with Van Amersfoort Racing. Remaining with the same team has allowed him to build on established relationships and streamline his approach across all areas of performance.
“Another year with Van Amersfoort, it’s a big plus,” he explained. “Being with the same team for such a long time, I actually think it’s an advantage because you already know the people, the processes, everything. So, everything just becomes more automatic, I would say.”
This sense of familiarity has translated into improved execution on track. Rather than adapting to a new environment, Villagómez has focused on refining details and strengthening communication within the team. As a result, both driver and engineers have been able to operate with greater clarity and efficiency.
Consistency as a turning point
Reflecting on his 2025 campaign, Villagómez pointed to consistency as the defining factor behind his late-season progress. While earlier rounds produced flashes of potential, it was the sustained run of competitive performances that truly stood out to him. This shift did not happen overnight, but instead developed gradually as both he and the team improved their overall execution.
He explained that, although standout moments were encouraging, the ability to repeatedly deliver strong results ultimately proved far more valuable.
“Last year, we had some good moments and those were pretty nice. But for me, what was even better is how consistent we were towards the end of the last season, actually, since Monza. In all the Feature Races, we scored points, we were pretty competitive.”
This period marked an important step forward, as it demonstrated that their performance level could be maintained across multiple rounds. It also reinforced the idea that their working methods and technical direction were beginning to align effectively.
Building on that, Villagómez underlined how those results validated the effort being put in behind the scenes.
“That’s a sign that we’re doing the right stuff. I’d say that was down to many things. Of course, the team has been doing a great job, but maybe at the start of the year, we just never really nailed it.”
Reset leading to breakthrough
Despite the clear progress later in the season, Villagómez acknowledged that the early part of 2025 did not fully reflect their potential. As a result, the team made a conscious decision to reassess their approach rather than continue pushing in the same direction without results. This willingness to step back proved to be a crucial turning point.
By analysing their performance and addressing underlying issues, they were able to gradually build a more solid and consistent foundation. That process required patience, but it ultimately enabled them to unlock better results.
“Then we just took a little step back and started to work from there. I think from prior to the summer break, we were kind of there, and then Monza we clicked.”
From that moment onwards, their performances became noticeably more cohesive. The improved understanding between driver and team allowed Villagómez to extract more from the car on a consistent basis, building momentum that he now carries into the 2026 season.
Villagómez refining mindset and personal approach for 2026 F2 campaign
While team continuity has played a major role, Villagómez has also made significant strides in his personal development. He has placed a strong emphasis on understanding his own driving style and mental approach, rather than trying to conform to external expectations.
“On my side, it was more about also understanding myself a little bit better. Because there is this idea I believe that in racing, you’re got to be this certain way in order to succeed.”
He acknowledged that such perceptions can sometimes lead drivers away from their natural strengths.
“So you start to shape yourself, or people try to shape you a certain way. But maybe it’s not the right way, you know? You need to listen to yourself and see what works and what doesn’t work.”
By focusing on self-awareness, Villagómez has been able to make targeted improvements without overhauling his approach to the 2026 F2 season. This balance has allowed him to retain what works while gradually addressing weaker areas.
“Of course, you get older as the years go by, so you learn more. You have more responsibilities. So I’ve changed little bits, but nothing crazy from last year. Because we know it’s been working.”
At the same time, he remains fully aware that development in motorsport never stops.
“But in racing, I think you always learn that you can always do better.”
This mindset has helped him maintain focus and avoid complacency, even during periods of strong performance.
Consistency the key target for 2026 F2 success for Villagómez
As Villagómez looks ahead to the remainder of the 2026 season, he has identified consistency as the single most important factor in achieving his goals. In a highly competitive championship like Formula 2, small differences often determine the outcome of races, meaning that even marginal gains can have a decisive impact.
He highlighted how the constant pursuit of improvement defines not only his own mindset, but the entire grid.
“This is a sport that everyone is looking to do better. It’s the same in any high-level sport. So we always need to do better, improve, and that’s how we bring up the level of competition.”
However, rather than seeking dramatic changes, Villagómez has centred his approach on refining the smaller elements of performance. He believes that attention to detail, both on and off the track, plays a crucial role in building consistent results over time.
He explained that success often comes from learning and adapting, rather than reinventing established methods.
“It’s about adapting the small little details. We’re not reinventing the wheel at the end of the day, but we learn from different winners in F3 and F2.”
Ultimately, Villagómez sees consistency as the foundation of any successful campaign. Delivering strong performances across every session—not just isolated races—remains his primary objective as he continues to develop in Formula 2.
“The most important thing is being consistent. That consistency in F2 and F3 is key. So for me, I’ve got to be the most consistent I can.”
Maintaining the same work ethic but building towards stronger results
While his strong run of results at the end of 2025 provides confidence, Villagómez has been careful to maintain the same disciplined approach that brought those improvements. He emphasised that consistent preparation and effort remain essential, regardless of recent performances.
“From Monza onwards was great. But what I will say is the approach, the work ethic was the same already. It’s not just because you’re having a couple of good races that you can ease up a little bit.”
That disciplined mindset now underpins his ambitions for 2026. With a stable team environment, a refined personal approach, and a clear focus on consistency, Villagómez continues to build on his recent progress.
If he sustains this level of execution throughout the season, he places himself in a strong position to achieve improved results and potentially challenge for podium finishes as the campaign unfolds.
