Nikola Tsolov reflected on a chaotic yet historic Formula 2 Feature Race in Melbourne after securing victory on the streets of Albert Park.
Tsolov recovered after a difficult Saturday to claim his and Bulgaria’s maiden race victory in F2. Following his series debut late last season, the rookie is aiming for the major title in 2026. With his historic feat in Melbourne, the Red Bull academy driver has kicked off his campaign in the strongest way possible.
Following the monumental victory, he reflected on his breakthrough milestone. The Campos driver admitted the race itself was “a bit messy,” but a strong start allowed Tsolov to put himself in a position to fight for the win.
“The race was a bit messy, but I knew from the start I managed to warm up my tyres pretty well,” Tsolov told media, including Motorsport Week.
“Especially for the race start, which was really strong, and that’s how I managed to get a few positions already.”
Starting from fifth, Tsolov surged forward in the opening laps. Once the Red Bull junior was third, he remained patient instead of pushing for a race lead immediately.
“After lap one being in third, I thought okay, I’ll just stay back and try to see how the race unfolds and what will happen later with the strategy.”
But then an early race collision between the Rodin team-mates of Alex Dunne and Martinius Stenshorne, as well as a DNF from Dino Beganovic, struck. Ultimately, allowing Tsolov to take control of the race early.
“The two Rodins were very eager to stay in front and stay ahead of each other, so I let them do their thing.
“Once I got to the lead, that’s when I felt confident, and I just managed my own pace,” Tsolov emphasised.
F2 History made for Bulgaria
The victory in Melbourne carried added significance for Tsolov. The Feature ace victory was one of the first for both Tsolov and Bulgaria, with the young driver permanently etching his name into motorsport history.
It was further underlined by the pre-race revelation that Tsolov had been told by Helmut Marko that Red Bull’s standards would not drop, despite the Austrian’s retirement.
Reflecting on the achievement after the race, the teenager admitted it was a moment of pride, even if it had always been something he believed would eventually come.
“Yeah, very proud,” Tsolov said when asked about the milestone.
“Now that you say it, I think about it, and to be honest, going into the season, I think I didn’t have a doubt that this moment would come.”
Securing the result in the opening round of the season made the moment even more special for the Campos driver, who admitted he had not expected the breakthrough to arrive so quickly.
“To finally realise it and do it only on the first round is something I didn’t think of.”
The Albert Park victory also helped Tsolov put to bed somewhat of a ‘curse’ he had experienced in previous seasons. Since F2 and F3 moved to Australia, the Bulgarian has struggled to make his mark on his ‘favourite country.’ That was until he made history.
“Historically, you know I’ve said before that Australia hasn’t been nice to me let’s say, although it’s one of my favourite countries,” he explained.
“But finally I managed to overcome, let’s say that jinx or whatever that is.”
Early championship momentum
This early victory for Tsolov means he leaves Melbourne as the championship leader. As the series heads into a prolonged break, the Bulgarian has all the momentum heading into the remainder of the season.
However, the rookie admitted that topping the standings after the first round was not something he had anticipated. Despite this, the strong championship start allows him to approach the season with a different mindset than what he’s previously used to
The 19-year-old aims to focus more on consistent performances throughout the entire season. Rather than chasing points and results from his rival, something that plauged his 2025 F3 campaign.
“One thing for sure is that I didn’t think I would lead the championship after the first round,” Tsolov highlighted.
“I was more kind of wanting to do progress throughout the year but it’s good to take the lead because now I can just focus on consistent finishes and staying calm in the races.
I don’t have anyone to catch up to in front of me.”
In a championship that is heavily dependent on the consistency of each driver, Tsolov believes his reshaped mindset will help him come out on top in the coming season.
“Obviously the championship will go up and down,” Tsolov highlighted
“It’s very usual. But the more, let’s say, consistent you are, looking at Forna as well last year, is the best you’re going to do so that’ll be my target.”
READ MORE – Nikola Tsolov made history with F2 Feature win in Melbourne
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