As F2 returns to Qatar for the penultimate round of the 2025 season, one of the most closely followed stories in the paddock is the arrival of Nikola Tsolov. The Bulgarian driver has stepped up for the final two rounds with Campos Racing, marking his debut in the championship before becoming a full time driver in 2026.
After an intense period of preparation, and a strong first showing in Qatar where he qualified P7 for the F2 Feature Race, Tsolov has made it clear that the double header in Qatar and Abu Dhabi is all about learning, adapting and building for the future.
“It has been a busy couple of weeks”
Tsolov acknowledged that the build up to his F2 debut in Qatar has been challenging but productive.
“Yeah, definitely. It has been a busy couple of weeks trying to prepare myself physically, especially probably the toughest race of the year in that regard. Obviously a track I do not know yet, a car I do not know yet as well, so it is a step but the environment is pretty similar. I am still with the same team so I am really looking forward to it because I think I am well prepared.”
He made it clear that this phase is focused on gathering experience rather than chasing results.
“In terms of expectations, I do not have too many apart from just finishing every session, completing all the laps and as many as possible just to get as much knowledge as possible for next year and then fight for everything next year because this year is just a learning process I think.”
Managing Qatar’s conditions
Lusail is known for challenging conditions that combine heat, humidity and dust. Despite this, Tsolov remained calm and realistic when assessing what lies ahead.
“I think obviously, as Joshua [Dürksen] said, the track is only dirty in the first couple of laps and then after maybe two, three push, it should get clean. Obviously, I think it is mostly going to be FP. I really do not know the track and have never been here, but I expect it to be similar to Bahrain for us. In F3, we run usually even earlier than F2. So we have to clean the track for them, actually.”
“So yes, there is no F3 to clean it now. But I think it should not be too different to what I am used to.”
A debut full of unknowns with clear learning goals
With no prior laps around Lusail, before Free Practice and the Qualifying session and no pressure to deliver results, Tsolov is taking a steady and thoughtful approach.
“Yeah, the feeling is quite unknown because apart from being excited and looking forward to learn as much as I can, I do not have any other expectation, honestly. I have not set any results as a goal. I think for me, like I said, it is just finishing every single lap and every single session. So taking minimal risks and obviously still getting a lot from it. That will not mean I will not push, but definitely take a safer approach into the weekend.”
Although he avoided setting any performance targets, Tsolov made a strong impression on his first Formula 2 qualifying outing. His P7 position for the Feature Race is an encouraging start for a driver still learning the car, the tyres and the circuit.
