Roman Staněk: A Rising Star in Formula 2 Racing
As the Hungarian Grand Prix approaches, Roman Staněk has made significant strides in his Formula 2 career, achieving three podium finishes in his last three races. This is a remarkable turnaround for a driver who hadn’t tasted success on the podium for over a year. To gain insight into Staněk’s recent performance, we spoke with him, his teammate Leonardo Fornaroli from Invicta Racing, and team principal James Robinson.
Early Weekend Reflections at Silverstone
On a Saturday before lunchtime during the Silverstone weekend, we had a conversation with Staněk. His performance trajectory was upward, highlighted by a career-best fourth place in qualifying at Barcelona, followed by a third-place finish in the sprint race in Austria. However, we were curious about what it would take for Staněk to achieve a more significant breakthrough.
"It’s a challenging question," Staněk admitted. "Luck plays a role, especially with regards to the car. To achieve good pace, the vehicle has to be dialed in perfectly because the races are long, with many laps, requiring consistent speed throughout. Plus, managing tire wear is crucial, as everyone makes mistakes, and it can be tricky."
In this context, Staněk referenced his tire issues during the Barcelona feature race. After starting strong in fourth place, he overexerted himself during the initial phase of his hard-tire stint, leading to severe degradation later in the race. Ultimately, he finished in 11th place, a disappointing result that added to a challenging day for Invicta Racing. His teammate Fornaroli faced his own troubles, receiving a 10-second stop-go penalty for a starting procedure violation before retiring due to a misfitted tire.
Staněk’s best opportunity for a solid feature race result in 2025 had slipped away, but Invicta remained committed to him. Some might have viewed the decision to sign Staněk as a risk, particularly given his previous finishes of 18th and 22nd in the drivers’ standings. However, team principal James Robinson was unwavering in his confidence in Staněk from the start of the season. At Silverstone, he elaborated on what qualities Staněk brought to the team.
"We recognize his potential," Robinson stated. "He definitely possesses speed. His technical feedback has been exceptional. The way he collaborates with the engineers and articulates the car’s behavior is truly impressive—one of the best I’ve encountered in racing."
Yet, Robinson acknowledged that Staněk sometimes struggled to convert that potential into tangible results. "He has the ability; it’s a matter of consistently delivering and translating his thoughts into actionable inputs for the car," he explained.
Challenges at Silverstone
Staněk’s execution still needed refinement at Silverstone. While he achieved a podium finish in the sprint race, finishing third alongside Fornaroli, he faced difficulties in the feature race. After a poorly timed pit stop for dry tires, he spun out while running in seventh place.
Just three weeks later, the championship moved to Spa, where Staněk experienced his best weekend of the season. He qualified third, finished sixth in the sprint race, and then clinched victory in the feature race, amassing 28 crucial points. Although Alex Dunne and Arvid Lindblad crossed the finish line ahead of him, both received post-race penalties for technical violations. Ritomo Miyata also appeared faster but fell behind Staněk after a spin on lap 16.
Even without the raw pace to win on track, Staněk capitalized on others’ mistakes, showcasing the consistent progress he had made at Invicta. It seemed that he had finally mastered the execution Robinson had highlighted earlier.
Reflecting on his journey, Staněk noted, "The first two years with Trident were challenging. I didn’t learn as much as I have with this current team. They’ve provided immense support, and I appreciate their strong racing mentality."
He admitted to earlier mistakes and a sense of bad luck at the beginning of the year, stating, "Now it appears to be improving, but there’s always room for growth."
The Role of Teammate Leonardo Fornaroli
Fornaroli, currently leading the championship, has only two non-scoring finishes in 17 races, which sets a high standard for Staněk as he seeks to maintain his own momentum. Although Staněk is likely out of contention for the drivers’ championship—ranking 10th with 57 points, 68 points behind Fornaroli—he plays a vital role in the teams’ standings. With their double win at Spa, Invicta surged to a 13-point lead over Campos, marking their first time in the lead this season as reigning champions.
"It’s fantastic to have him as a teammate," Fornaroli remarked about Staněk at Silverstone. "We’ve known each other for three years, having been together at Trident in different categories. We’re good friends, and it’s great to be racing together this year. He brings a lot of experience and speed, especially in high-speed sections, from which I learn a lot."
Staněk’s Transformation with Invicta Racing
With Invicta’s backing, Roman Staněk has transitioned from a driver often found in the lower ranks to one who consistently competes for podium finishes. His victory in Belgium marks a pivotal moment in his career—a significant breakthrough. The challenge now is to maintain Invicta’s momentum in their quest to defend their teams’ championship title.
As Staněk continues to refine his skills and adapt to the competitive environment of Formula 2, his story exemplifies the journey of perseverance and growth. With the support of his team and the experience gained from each race, he is poised to leave a lasting mark on the sport.
The road ahead is filled with opportunities for Staněk to solidify his place among the elite drivers in Formula 2, and as the season unfolds, fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see how this talented racer continues to evolve.
The Future of Roman Staněk in Formula 2
Staněk’s evolution as a driver underlines the importance of teamwork and communication between the driver and the engineering team. His ability to articulate the car’s behavior to the engineers has been a crucial factor in his recent success. This kind of open dialogue allows for continuous improvement, enabling adjustments that can enhance performance on race day.
Moreover, as Staněk works towards refining his driving skills, he remains acutely aware of the significance of consistency. In racing, the ability to perform well across multiple races is often what separates the contenders from the champions. His recent podium finishes indicate that he is on the right path, but he must continue to build on this foundation.
As the season progresses, the challenges will only become more intense. The competition in Formula 2 is fierce, with many talented drivers vying for the top spots. For Staněk, the focus will be on maintaining his recent form while also learning to navigate the pressures that come with being a contender in one of the most competitive racing series.
Learning from Experience
Every race presents an opportunity for learning, and for Staněk, the key will be to analyze each performance critically. This includes understanding the decisions made during races, the strategies employed, and how these factors impact overall results. By leveraging the insights gained from each event, he can enhance his racing approach and continue to grow as a driver.
The camaraderie between Staněk and his teammate Fornaroli also plays a significant role in their shared success. They can learn from each other, exchanging tips and strategies that can be beneficial on the track. This supportive environment fosters growth and helps both drivers to optimize their performances.
Conclusion
Roman Staněk’s journey in Formula 2 is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of teamwork. With his recent achievements and continued commitment to improvement, he is well on his way to becoming a standout driver in the series. As he builds on his successes and learns from his challenges, the future looks promising for this talented racer. The upcoming races will be crucial in determining not only his trajectory but also the overall success of Invicta Racing in their quest for the teams’ championship. The eyes of fans and competitors alike will be keenly focused on Staněk as he strives to make his mark in the world of motorsport.
