Nikola Tsolov claimed victory in the Australian F2 feature race at Albert Park after controlling the race following an early safety car period. From a chaotic start to decisive overtakes and teammates’ wheel-to-wheel battles, the Melbourne feature race showcased the intensity of Formula 2 and delivered a major statement in the early stages of the championship.
Off to a dramatic start
The feature race quickly took an early twist when the pole sitter, Dino Beganovic, lost position following a poor launch, allowing Martinius Stenshorne to take the lead in Turn 1, as Beganovic lost several positions. The action continued over the next few laps as the top ten ran in close formation.
A yellow flag quickly turned into a safety car after contact between teammates. During lap 3, Alex Dunne and Martinius Stenshorne were fighting for the lead when the Rodin drivers made contact, and their races were cut short.
At the end of the safety car, the Australian F2 feature race had a new race leader, Nikola Tsolov. The Bulgarian driver led the pack ahead of Rafael Câmara, the Formula 3 champion, and Dino Beganovic, who had recovered from his poor start to rejoin the leading group.
By lap 9, the most of the field completed the mandatory pit stops, bringing strategy into play early in the Australian F2 feature race. Out front, Tsolov built a comfortable gap ahead of Câmara’s Invicta, stretching his advantage. Behind him, the fight for second intensified as Dino Beganovic made a move on Câmara, positioning himself in second.
Late battle for victory in the Australian F2 feature race
As Beganovic began his chase for Tsolov, what seemed to be a mechanical issue saw the Swede stopping on track and being forced to retire. The incident triggered the second safety car of the competition, tightening the field once more.
The rookie Nico Varrone, who opted for a different strategy and didn’t pit during the early stages of the race, made his pitstop during the second safety car, becoming the new race leader under safety car conditions. However, Varrone got a 5-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane.
As the Australian F2 feature race restarted again on lap 22, Tsolov stole the lead immediately. The Red Bull junior quickly rebuilt the gap he had lost during the safety car period, as the battle behind him continued for fourth between Goethe and Van Hoepen.
The battle for the win at the top intensified as the three drivers stayed within DRS. With five laps remaining of the Australian F2 feature race, Câmara made a move on Varrone and positioned himself in second. Van Hoepen tried to secure his position on the last step of the podium, making a move down the outside of Varrone with three laps to go.
Tsolov triumphs in the Australian F2 feature race
After one of the most controlled drives of the race, Nikola Tsolov secured an impressive win at the feature race, and the first win of the season for Campos Racing. The Bulgarian driver delivered a consistent performance to convert his pace into a commanding win.
Behind him, Rafael Câmara showcased his abilities and racecraft, securing his first podium as a Formula 2 rookie. Van Hoepen held off late pressure to secure the final podium position in a dramatic Australian F2 feature race in Melbourne.
