Nikola Tsolov Clinches Victory in Melbourne
Nikola Tsolov won the Feature Race in the 2026 Formula 2 season held in Melbourne, Australia, on March 8, 2026. This victory marks a significant milestone in Tsolov’s racing career as he continues his first full-time campaign in F2.
In a tightly contested race, Tsolov finished with a time gap of 1.669 seconds ahead of second-place finisher Rafael Camara. Laurens van Hoepen secured third place, achieving his first podium in Formula 2, a notable accomplishment for the young driver.
The Feature Race consisted of 33 laps, showcasing the drivers’ skills and strategies throughout the event. Oliver Goethe and Ritomo Miyata rounded out the top five, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively. Meanwhile, Dino Beganovic faced disappointment as he retired from the race due to a reliability issue.
Joshua Duerksen, who won the Sprint Race earlier in the weekend, started in second place but faced challenges during the Feature Race, ultimately finishing behind Colton Herta in seventh. Duerksen’s Sprint Race victory was particularly impressive, as it did not require a mandatory pit stop, allowing him to maintain his position effectively.
During the Sprint Race, Duerksen managed to overtake Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak early on, demonstrating his competitive edge. He expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, “For sure, it was a very good race,” and highlighted the importance of maintaining pace for future races.
As the season progresses, the competition in Formula 2 is expected to intensify, with drivers like Tsolov and Duerksen aiming for continued success. The results from Melbourne set the stage for an exciting season ahead, with each race presenting new challenges and opportunities for the drivers.
Initial reactions from the teams and drivers have been positive, with Tsolov’s victory being celebrated as a significant achievement. The atmosphere in the paddock was filled with anticipation as teams prepared for the next round of races, eager to build on their performances.