Roman Staněk is enjoying his best season yet in F2, attributing his success to a few key changes, especially the move to Invicta Racing in 2025.
In contrast to his previous two years with Trident, where he collected just 29 points combined across 2023 and 2024, his move to Invicta Racing has completely transformed his 2025 campaign. Currently sitting ninth in the Drivers’ Standings with 91 points after 12 rounds, Staněk has delivered standout performances, including a Feature Race victory at Spa-Francorchamps, pole position in Budapest, and four podium finishes overall this season.
“It’s good. Obviously, I have no complaints. I am racing at such a high level in Formula 2 with one of the best teams in the field, and also in the last few rounds, performing quite well.“
“There is always something to improve, but I’ve been enjoying myself a lot. I am just happy to be here.”
His move to Invicta Racing
Staněk spent his first two years in F2 with Trident, but with results not going his way, he made the move to Invicta for the 2025 season, after “questioning himself” on his abilities.
“After two years being with the same team, it was a nice change. It was a new atmosphere, so it gave me a boost to want more, and it’s been working quite well.”
When reflecting on the move to Invicta, the Czech driver admitted that the start of the season was challenging, as he needed to adapt to a new team, car, and environment. However, over the course of 2025, he has steadily progressed, proving his pace, consistency, and racecraft among the top drivers in F2.
“The first part of the season was quite tricky. We didn’t have so much luck and also, I made some mistakes, but I think I have proven that I have the speed and I am one of the top drivers in Formula 2.”
Invicta Racing proving a “highly rewarding” environment
Beyond the on-track success, his experience at Invicta Racing has been highly rewarding; the team’s collaborative spirit, relentless work ethic, and shared passion for racing have made this season both memorable and motivating, reinforcing the positive impact of his move.
“I feel very lucky to be with Invicta. It’s a great experience for me, I see the guys they work very hard, they know what they are doing, but at the same time, they enjoy it. They don’t do it for the money, they do it because they actually like it, and I think this is one of the reasons why the team is so strong.“
“We have mechanics that have been here for 10 years, and that makes them strong. If they have to change something quickly on the car, they don’t even speak, they just look at each other and they understand what they mean.”
“My mechanics, Nathan, and Josh, my engineer Colin, James, the Team Principal, Geoff – it’s an honour to be with them. I don’t want the season to stop because I do enjoy it with them, just having a very good time.”
The start of his 2025 season
The start of Stanek’s 2025 season got off to a shaky beginning, with the Czech driver scoring just 4 points across the first five rounds. His best results in that opening stretch came in the Melbourne and Jeddah Sprint Races, where he finished P5 in both.
Staněk admitted that Barcelona marked a low point in his campaign. Despite qualifying strongly in P4, he struggled in the Feature Race and slipped out of the points, finishing P11. However, he described this moment as a turning point, saying it reignited his determination and focus. From that race onward, Staněk bounced back impressively, securing four podium finishes across the next four rounds and firmly establishing himself as a serious contender in the 2025 F2 season.
“Before you see the data, you always ask yourself if it was you, if it was the car, or a combination of you and the car. But I’ve been working a lot, because in Barcelona I hit a low point of it’s actually me.”
“I did a great Qualifying, I was starting very well for both races. The Sprint Race, we forget it because of the Safety Car, it was a mess, but the Feature Race, I drove from P4 to outside of the points in the race.”
“I hit a low point there. I reset everything, turned the page, and started from zero. It seems to be working, and I’ve been enjoying things a lot.”
His mindset shift
Staněk also acknowledged the strength of the Invicta Racing machinery, with teammate Leonardo Fornaroli’s impressive 2025 campaign as evidence. With Fornaroli currently leading the Drivers’ Standings on 188 points, it’s clear that the team has a competitive package this season.
“One thing I have to say is we know Invicta have a strong car, so it’s not just me, it’s the whole package, the team play a big part.”
Life outside of racing
Beyond the track, Staněk reflected on the importance of maintaining balance in life outside of racing. He explained that his renewed mindset, combined with a focus on seizing opportunities and striving to perform at his best both on and off the track, has been a major source of motivation throughout his 2025 season.
“As I am getting older, stuff is changing, and at some point, you realise that since I was 10, I have aimed to be in Formula 1. I will do my best every day to get there. But today life is so good, it offers you so many opportunities, life is great, I am healthy, and there are just so many opportunities.”
“30 years ago in Czech Republic we didn’t have the chance to do this, but I realised from the beginning of the year, I don’t have to put any pressure on myself because if you ask me what is going to happen tomorrow, I don’t know.”
“The only thing I can do is my best, which is going to sleep early, eating well, and doing good warmups. I am obsessed with yoga in the morning, so to focus on yourself in that moment. If something happens, it’s out of my control, but I will do my best.”
“If my best is first, I will take it. Staněk adds, “If my best is eighth, I will take it. I have been working with this mindset, not only in racing, but in life, and in business. It doesn’t mean I don’t care about racing, but you don’t need extra pressure, just do your best at that exact moment.”
Finishing 2025 with no regrets
With just two rounds remaining in the 2025 F2 season, Staněk is determined to finish strong, leaving no room for regrets and aiming to close out his year with Invicta Racing on a high note.
“I just want to do my best. I want to look back and say that any moment I have done what I could, not to look and say I could have done something different.”
“There is always something you can do better but I want to look back and say I did my best in every session and every race.”
