Invicta Racing’s Roman Staněk finally returned to the podium in the 2025 F2 Sprint Race at the Austrian GP, bringing an end to a string of near-misses and frustration. Reflecting on the achievement, he made it clear that the result was long overdue, but still encouraging as the season reaches its halfway point.
“Yeah, I’m very happy that we finally managed to get some silverware, but also at the same time, I think we could have had this already before. Obviously, we were a bit unlucky, and I did a mistake. We did some mistakes as a team, but it’s good. You know, it’s just a Sprint Race, so tomorrow we’re going to try again.”
Tyre management strategy shaped the final stint
Staněk adopted a tyre conservation strategy during the 2025 F2 Sprint Race at the Austrian GP, aiming to mount a late challenge rather than pushing early. However, circumstances prevented him from launching a proper attack in the final laps.
“Yeah, I was saving my tyres quite a lot, so I could have attacked in the last laps. But unfortunately, when I was already trying, but I know Joshua [Dürksen], he defends very well, and, already when you are P3, you don’t want to risk your life.”
Just when he attempted to overtake, a yellow flag brought those ambitions to a halt. The timing of the incident denied him the opportunity to use DRS on the final lap, effectively freezing the order.
“So, I was trying to do it in the really last lap, but then there was an incident behind us, which didn’t open my DRS. I couldn’t open my DRS because there was a yellow flag and therefore it was a bit harder for me to overtake. So, the fight didn’t continue, and I still finished third. It’s not bad, but tomorrow we go again, and we try to do better, as always.”
Targeting consistency amidst high levels of competition
Although pleased with the podium, Staněk admitted that consistent results have eluded him so far in 2025. He highlighted the stark contrast between Qualifying and Sprint Race conditions in F2 as a key reason for the challenge.
“Yeah, I would say consistency also from my side a little bit. I have a feeling that in F2 Qualifying and the race, they are two different sports because one time you drive completely on the limit and the other one you just have to take care of the tyres like a little baby in the hand. So yeah, just trying to improve my race pace overall, which is going in the right direction.”
He also acknowledged the level of competition in the series, referencing drivers who have adapted quickly even when stepping up to higher categories.
“I know it’s my third year in F2, but the level is very high, and we could see also Alex Dunne in F1. He performed very well immediately sitting into the car. So, it’s very, very tough to perform at the best level, but we keep working and we try to improve every day, race by race.”
DRS limitations and an unfortunate late yellow flag
Despite preparing a strategic 2025 F2 Sprint Race at the Austrian GP, Staněk was surprised by how little assistance the Drag Reduction System provided. Even when in a slipstream, he struggled to make headway due to the circuit’s limitations.
“Yeah, I was expecting more DRS effect than it was because it was quite hard to make the move even if you had a DRS and the guy in front of you didn’t. But in the end, we saw some moves. At one point, it was a bit boring because I was behind Pepe and it was just a DRS train and there was nothing I could do.”
His final-lap attempt to overtake Dürksen was further hampered by the inability to activate DRS due to a yellow flag, a factor Staněk believed could have impacted the end result of the 2025 F2 Austrian GP Sprint Race.
“And then, for me, unfortunately, in the last lap, there was a yellow flag in Turn 3 and therefore my DRS didn’t open. So, that compromised a bit, I wouldn’t say my result because obviously we don’t know if I would overtake Joshua. But of course, I think we would have a nice fight towards the end of the lap. So, yeah, just a shame that the DRS effect is not as big as it is in F1.”
Staněk not focused on Verschoor’s fortune
Late drama ahead of the final lap allowed Richard Verschoor to inherit fourth place, a result that tightened the championship picture. Staněk, however, expressed no frustration and instead showed admiration for his rival’s resilience and perseverance.
“No, I’m not. To be honest, that’s nothing we can control. And I think he deserves it, because it’s his fifth or sixth year in F2. And the thing I like about Richard is that he keeps trying and he’s always there. He’s very quick. And on one side, I’m happy for him. There is nothing, again, as I say, we can do.”
He then emphasised the importance of recognising the results on paper, regardless of the circumstances that led to them.
“But yeah, you know the history doesn’t ask if there was a crash in front of you or not. You finish before, you finish before that’s easy.”
A turning point at mid-season
The Invicta Racing driver currently sits 14th in the championship, and he admitted that his 2025 campaign has lacked stability. Nevertheless, Staněk views the Austrian GP Sprint Race podium as a potential turning point as the 2025 F2 season reaches its midpoint.
“Yeah, so I don’t know what to say, to be honest, because I don’t know where in the championship I lose a lot of points. I’m in P12 [sic. P14] or something at this point. So, consistency hasn’t been the case for me this year. It hasn’t been the case for me, but, you know, I think it’s half of the season now. So this is the middle.”
Looking ahead, he set a clear target of rebuilding momentum and capitalising on improved form.
“So I think it’s a good start for the second half of the season for me. And from now on, if I can be consistent, I will do my best, you know. And also, yeah, I was bitter in that race. Maybe, of course, there is always something you can do better. But I think we can be satisfied with third place. And yeah, nothing else to say. Now, in the end, it’s just racing.”
Focus under pressure vital in chaotic race
The race was red-flagged due to a frightening accident. Staněk spoke with relief that everyone emerged unhurt, and he explained how he copes with lengthy delays and the mental reset required before the restart.
“Yeah, first of all, I’m very happy to see that everyone is fine, and it’s always scary when the car is upside down because you never know what happens, you know? And yeah, the reset of when there is a red flag, for me, it’s quite clear. I think every driver goes to the toilet, and then you kind of try to stay in the zone for the race because that’s the most important. There are so many people and things that can distract you, and yeah, just to stay in the zone and restart and do again your job.”
