The 2026 Formula 2 season is shaping up as a competitive platform for several notable Formula 1® junior drivers, with Nikola Tsolov currently leading the championship after eight rounds. The ongoing title fight features promising talents from the Red Bull, Alpine, and Ferrari driver academies, highlighting the depth of emerging talent in the sport.
Nikola Tsolov, racing for Campos Racing and a member of the Red Bull Junior Team, holds the championship lead with 161 points and six race wins. His performance includes a record of three consecutive victories in Formula 2, underscoring his strong pace and consistency. Close behind is Gabriele Mini from the Alpine Academy, driving for MP Motorsport, who has accumulated 134 points. Mini’s steady form is marked by consistent top-eight finishes, despite having only one win so far. Rafael Camara, part of the Ferrari Driver Academy and racing for Invicta Racing, sits third with 125 points. Camara has demonstrated impressive qualifying speed, securing four poles in the last five races, and has claimed two feature race victories.
Alpine’s Alex Dunne, competing with Rodin Motorsport, has also been a solid contender with five podium finishes and 108 points, though his current form has not quite matched his rookie season highs. Other drivers in the mix include Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak with ART Grand Prix and Ferrari junior Dino Beganovic, both contributing to the competitive field.
At the Spa-Francorchamps round, Rafael Camara secured a feature race win following a red flag interruption and a series of decisive overtakes. Meanwhile, Tsolov finished fifth but was able to extend his championship lead due to penalties applied to other drivers. Both Camara and Tsolov have expressed mutual respect for each other's strengths, particularly highlighting Tsolov’s qualifying speed and Camara’s race consistency.
The championship battle remains open with 12 races still to come in the 14-round season. While both Tsolov and Camara are linked to potential Formula 1® opportunities, including recognition from Red Bull’s Alan Permane who referred to Tsolov as “next in line,” the focus for these drivers remains firmly on their current performances in Formula 2.
This season continues to showcase the progression of Formula 1® junior drivers as they develop their skills and compete at a high level in the feeder series. The ongoing title fight reflects the competitive nature of Formula 2 and the importance of consistent results and qualifying performance in the pursuit of success within the sport.
