Taking his second pole of the 2025 season, Roman Staněk delivered a competitive Qualifying performance, earning a front-row start for the F2 Abu Dhabi GP. In a session filled with tight battles and track limits drama, the Invicta driver held off the competition to secure P1 in the final round. It is important to note that after the session, Invicta received a €1000 fine for a non-declared front plank.
After a promising second half of 2025, Staněk currently sits in P11 in the F2 standings. On 85 points, he still has a real chance of climbing the ranks if he can maintain his qualifying form in both races. Nevertheless, in his final season in Formula 2, the Czech driver will be eager to end his campaign with another win.
High hopes for the 2025 finale
The best way to cap off a season full of highs and lows is with a pole position. Roman Staněk could not agree more, as he expressed during the F2 Abu Dhabi GP post-Qualifying press conference attended by Pit Debrief. However, the Invicta racer also admitted to feeling heavy-hearted, attributing this sadness to his departure from the series:
“Yeah, I’m very happy. But at the same time, a little bit sad that I’m leaving F2 and the great team like Invicta. But yeah, it was a very good lap. The car was on the rails, and I’m very happy with it.”
Hoping to round off the 2025 season with another win after his success at Spa, Staněk assessed the chances of repeating that result on Sunday. Determined to approach the opportunity seriously, the Invicta driver wants to make the most of “the best seat in the house”:
“Yeah, starting from P1 is always good. You have the best seat in the house. At the same time, we’ve been struggling a little bit in the races. So yeah, just keep my head down, try to learn as much as possible. Studying from the past years, looking at the data, where to improve, where to save the tyres. Because we have to save a lot of tyres in these days. And try to do my best.
Improvements in the standings
Coming into the last race of the season in P11, the rankings can still change significantly before the chequered flag falls. After a promising second half of 2025, Roman Staněk believes there is still a chance of finishing in the top 10, given his F2 Abu Dhabi GP Qualifying result:
“Yeah, of course. It’s a shame that we are only P11. But I think I can still fight for P6 or P7, something like this. So let’s see. As I say, I will do my best and see where we are.”
Leaving F2 after this round, the Invicta driver also took a moment to thank his team for their constant support. In return, Staněk promised to give his all from this advantageous pole position:
“Obviously, I’m very happy. As I said, I’m sad that I’m leaving F2 and the team after this round. I just came to the weekend doing my best. Without the car, I wouldn’t be able to pull it. Huge thanks to the guys. I will do my best now.”
Being part of Invicta
Roman Staněk had the privilege of racing for Invicta in 2025 after two years with Trident. His current team produced this year’s F2 champion, Leonardo Fornaroli. With the F2 Abu Dhabi GP being Staněk’s last opportunity to score points to help his team, he hopes for a 1–2 Feature Race finish after a strong qualifying:
“In a very good place to fight for the team’s championship. I think we have quite a nice advantage already now. Scoring some points will help. But of course, I want to win, and I guess also Forna [Leonardo Fornaroli]. So the best would be P1 and P2 for us.”
Speaking of Fornaroli, the Czech driver spoke highly of his teammate, champion, and friend. Staněk praised him for both his speed and professionalism, noting the lessons learned throughout the year:
“Obviously, Leo has won the championship already. So, huge congrats to him. And he’s been one of the best teammates I’ve ever had in terms of speed. Also, in terms of his behaviour. He’s a good friend of mine, and I think we work very well. So, I’ve learned a lot from him for my future.
“And yeah, you know, you kind of focus on yourself. You have your own engineer, your own mechanics. And he has the same. So, yeah, it’s been very helpful.”
Growing as a driver
With three years in F2 under his belt, Roman Staněk has grown significantly as a driver. Reflecting on his qualifying performance, he looked back on his journey in response to a question from Pit Debrief. While he does not have anything concrete planned yet, he has not ruled out a future return to F2:
“Yeah, I’ve really enjoyed the three years we’ve been here. Obviously, racing on the same tracks as F1, it’s something amazing, you know. The best tracks on the world. And it’s sad that I’m leaving, but you never know. Never say never, and maybe I’m going to be here again.”
Leaving a series into which you’ve put your blood, sweat, and tears is never easy. Yet the Invicta driver—set to start from pole on Sunday—felt that this decision was long overdue. After being unable to continue with Invicta, Staněk is ready to take on his next challenge:
“The decision was quite easy. Being four years in F2 is not very normal. Also, I wasn’t able to renew or sign a contract with Invicta one more year, which clearly is the best team. So, it’s time to move forward for me.
“I would be very happy to tell you what is coming next, but I don’t know. I didn’t sign anything for next year. We are still speaking about many opportunities or many options. So, yeah, let’s see.”
