Noel Leon secured his first FIA Formula 2 Feature Race victory at the Budapest circuit on July 26, 2026. Starting from third on the grid, Leon capitalised on a well-timed pit stop during a Virtual Safety Car period to take the lead and maintain it until the checkered flag.
Leon’s strategic move on lap 17 allowed him to minimise time lost compared to his rivals, who pitted under normal racing conditions. This advantage proved decisive as he held off Kush Maini and Rafael Camara, who finished second and third respectively. Maini’s podium marked his first since Silverstone, while Camara’s third place was his fifth podium of the season, helping him close the points gap to the championship leaders.
The race unfolded with a close battle among the top three finishers, who crossed the line within 1.2 seconds of each other. Meanwhile, championship leader Nikola Tsolov, despite serving a five-place grid penalty, managed to finish seventh and maintain his lead with 167 points. Gabriele Mini, who finished ninth in Budapest, remains second in the standings with 147 points, while Camara sits third with 145 points as the series heads into the summer break.
The Budapest Feature Race highlighted the importance of timing and strategy in Formula 2®, with Leon’s pit stop under the Virtual Safety Car proving crucial. His ability to maintain the lead under pressure from Maini and Camara demonstrated strong racecraft and composure.
Kush Maini’s return to the podium added valuable points for ART Grand Prix, while Rafael Camara’s consistent performance continues to position him as a contender in the championship battle. Despite his penalty, Nikola Tsolov’s seventh-place finish helped him preserve a comfortable points margin at the top of the standings.
Gabriele Mini’s ninth place kept him firmly in second overall, underscoring the tight competition among the leading drivers. The close finish among the top three also reflected the competitive nature of the field as the championship pauses for the summer break.
This result in Budapest adds an interesting chapter to the 2026 FIA Formula 2 season, with Leon’s maiden Feature Race win marking a significant milestone in his career. The standings remain closely contested as the series prepares to resume after the break.
