Invicta Racing Team Ascends to the Top of FIA Formula 2

The Invicta Racing Team has made a significant mark in the 2025 FIA Formula 2 season, recently asserting its dominance with a remarkable 1-2 finish in the Hungary Feature Race. Team Principal James Robinson proudly proclaimed his squad as the strongest in the competition after their latest triumph. Leonardo Fornaroli, the Italian driver, clinched his third victory in three races, overcoming a challenging pit stop sequence that saw him initially fall behind his teammate, Roman Stanek, who had claimed pole position.

Fornaroli’s journey to victory was not without obstacles; he faced a five-second time penalty for exceeding speed limits in the pit lane. Despite this setback, he managed to secure the win while Stanek successfully defended his position against Jak Crawford from DAMS Lucas Oil. This impressive performance allowed the defending Team Champions to solidify their lead in both the Drivers and Teams championships.

Robinson expressed immense pride in his team’s efforts, highlighting the contributions of engineers, mechanics, and everyone involved in the intricate setup of the team, both on-site and in the UK. The emotional weight of the victory was palpable as Robinson stated, “Words can’t express how proud I am of the team.” He added that he has believed since day one that Invicta is the best squad in FIA Formula 2, and the recent events have only reinforced that belief.

Continued Dominance in F2

Invicta Racing has proven to be the form team in Formula 2, achieving victories in the last three rounds, including both races held in Belgium. Since Round 6 in Austria, the team has amassed an impressive 153 points, propelling them to the top of the Teams Championship. In contrast, their competitors such as Campos, Hitech TGR, and DAMS have only scored 61, 81, and 69 points during the same period, respectively.

The wait for victory in 2025 has been lengthy for the defending Team Champions, who previously helped Gabriel Bortoleto secure the F2 title in 2024, leading to his eventual promotion to Formula 1 with the Sauber team. Following Fornaroli’s breakthrough win at Silverstone, he went on to claim a second victory in the Sprint Race at Spa, with Stanek also achieving a win in that weekend’s Feature Race. The duo has consistently occupied the front row, culminating in a rare 1-2 finish in Formula 2.

Historical context adds weight to Invicta’s achievements as the last team to successfully defend the Teams title was PREMA in 2020 and 2021. ART Grand Prix also holds a notable record of back-to-back Teams Championships in 2018 and 2019, with both teams having their drivers, including George Russell and Nyck De Vries, progress to Formula 1.

The Challenge from Jak Crawford

During the Hungary race, Robinson acknowledged the threat posed by American driver Jak Crawford, who was in pursuit of a potential victory. Stanek, who was in second place, expressed his struggles with the car’s balance, focusing on conserving his medium tires to finish the race strong. This strategy allowed Fornaroli to build a significant lead, enough to offset his time penalty. However, it also placed Crawford right on Stanek’s tail, heightening the tension as the race progressed.

Crawford made a daring attempt to overtake Stanek at Turn 1 on Lap 28 but ended up locking up and losing his position. Stanek managed to hold on to his spot, crossing the finish line in second place, while Crawford expressed his frustration with settling for third. Robinson admitted that there were moments of concern on the pit wall regarding Crawford’s pace, especially during the early laps after the pit stops.

As the race unfolded, Stanek was able to create a buffer of around six-tenths of a second, a critical gap that provided him with the necessary distance to defend against Crawford, especially with the Drag Reduction System (DRS) available on the main straight. The team could breathe a sigh of relief once the gap widened to eight-tenths of a second, reassuring them that the victory was nearly secure, even in the event of a late Safety Car deployment.

Fornaroli: A Rising Star in the Championship

Fornaroli’s victory in Hungary further solidifies his position as a championship contender, particularly after his success in Belgium, where he also won the Sprint Race and finished fifth in the Feature Race. With this latest win, he has established a 17-point lead over Jak Crawford as the teams and drivers prepare for a well-deserved summer break. The series is set to resume in Monza in early September.

When asked about Fornaroli’s potential as a title favorite, Robinson affirmed, “You’d have to say so, given the gap he has.” He expressed surprise that Fornaroli has not yet been announced as a Formula 1 driver for the upcoming year, suggesting that discussions about his future should be gaining traction. The team has a history of aiding drivers like Bortoleto in reaching the F1 circuit, but the landscape for 2026 is complicated due to many drivers being locked into their respective teams.

However, there is light on the horizon as Cadillac is set to join the F1 grid next year, possibly opening up new opportunities. Additionally, Alpine, which has fielded both former Invicta driver Jack Doohan and current F2 driver Franco Colapinto this season, may also present openings for the 2026 season alongside established drivers like Pierre Gasly, a Grand Prix winner and GP2 Champion from 2016.

Fornaroli, while currently unlinked to any F1 academy, remains a strong candidate for a future seat in the sport. His performance this season has not only put him in the spotlight but has also generated buzz around his potential next steps in his racing career.

The Road Ahead

As the summer break approaches, the Invicta Racing Team finds itself in a commanding position in both the Drivers and Teams Championships. With Fornaroli leading the charge, the team is poised to continue its success in the second half of the season. The strategic decisions made during races, combined with the skillful driving of both Fornaroli and Stanek, have proven to be a winning formula.

Looking ahead, the team will focus on maintaining their momentum and addressing any areas for improvement as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in Monza. The competition in Formula 2 remains fierce, and every point is critical as the season progresses.

With the team’s strong performance and the promising talent of their drivers, Invicta Racing is not just aiming for a successful season in Formula 2 but is also setting the stage for future transitions to Formula 1. As the racing world watches closely, Fornaroli and his teammates are ready to make their mark, demonstrating their capabilities on one of the most prestigious stages in motorsport.

In summary, Invicta Racing’s recent victories and the standout performances of their drivers underscore the team’s status as a frontrunner in FIA Formula 2. With a talented lineup and a dedicated support team, they are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the remainder of the season, aiming not only for the championship but also for a brighter future in Formula 1.