Upcoming Final Rounds of the 2025 Formula 2 Season: Insights from Drivers Dürksen and Tsolov
The 2025 Formula 2 season is rapidly approaching its conclusion, with just ten days remaining until the championship wraps up. Drivers have only two more rounds to make their mark in the series and leave a lasting impression on fans and teams alike. As we gear up for this weekend’s penultimate event in Qatar, we caught up with Joshua Dürksen from AIX Racing and Nikola Tsolov from Campos Racing. Both drivers shared their thoughts on their strategies for the final two rounds of the F2 season.
Transitioning from F3 to F2: Nikola Tsolov’s Journey
After the conclusion of F2’s European leg in September, several drivers have moved on to new opportunities, allowing fresh talent to step in from Formula 3. One of these newcomers is Nikola Tsolov, who finished as the runner-up in the 2025 F3 series. His promotion to Formula 2 comes as Pepe Martí transitions to a full-time seat in Formula E for the 2025–26 season, which kicks off next weekend.
Tsolov expressed his surprise at receiving the call to join the F2 ranks, noting that it came a bit earlier than he had anticipated. "It was a pleasant surprise," he shared in a media roundtable ahead of the weekend. As a driver who has already been with Campos in F3, Tsolov feels somewhat at home, which eases his transition into the new series.
His primary goal for his inaugural F2 weekend is straightforward: “Just finishing all my laps, to be honest.” This focus reflects a sensible approach to his debut, as he aims to gather experience and understand the nuances of the higher tier.
Familiarity with the Team and Car Dynamics
Tsolov’s familiarity with Campos plays a crucial role in his adaptation. The team’s established protocols and his prior experience in F3 help reduce the learning curve associated with moving up to F2.
An additional factor that may aid Tsolov’s transition is the introduction of a new car, the Dallara F2 2024, which debuted last year. This new model has significantly altered the competitive landscape, benefiting Campos as they continue to climb the ranks.
In F3 this season, the cars were equipped with 16-inch tires, while F2 utilizes 18-inch tires. Tsolov noted, “We’re not that far away, in that sense,” indicating that the behavioral characteristics of the new F3 model may have some similarities to the F2 car. However, he remains cautious about making comparisons until after he experiences practice and qualifying sessions.
Understanding the Tire Compounds in F2
A key difference between F3 and F2 is the variety of tire compounds used. In F3, Pirelli provides only one tire option for each round, whereas in F2, teams have two compounds to choose from. For the upcoming Qatar race, Pirelli has selected the hard and soft compounds, resulting in a more substantial performance gap than the previous year’s hard and medium tires.
Tsolov anticipates this challenge, estimating that the difference between the two compounds could be around "three, three and a half seconds." Such a disparity will require strategic considerations during the races.
Reflecting on past performances, Tsolov is aware of the high expectations placed on rookie drivers. Last year, Dino Beganovic made an impressive debut by qualifying fourth at the Lusail International Circuit during his first F2 outing. Tsolov recognizes this benchmark but remains optimistic about his ability to adapt.
Joshua Dürksen’s Final Push with AIX Racing
On the other side of the paddock, Joshua Dürksen is preparing for his final two races with AIX Racing before he transitions to Invicta Racing for the 2026 season. Unlike Tsolov, Dürksen has set specific performance goals for himself in these concluding rounds.
The driver has already achieved three podium finishes in four races during the Monza and Baku events earlier in the season. Now, he is eager to carry that momentum into the final double-header of the season.
Reflecting on his past performances, Dürksen shared, “If you look, last year was exactly the same thing. Monza we were quick. Baku we were quick. Qatar we struggled a little bit.” He noted that while they had a strong race pace, external factors like safety cars affected their results. Dürksen is determined to improve upon last year’s performance in Qatar and replicate the success they found in Abu Dhabi.
“Finishing the year with a win last year was really amazing, and it’s my target as well to do it right now,” he elaborated. Dürksen is currently positioned 12th in the standings, just ten points shy of Prema’s Sebastián Montoya in 10th place. Achieving a victory in the season finale would mark a significant accomplishment, making him the first driver in F2 history to win both the opening and closing races of a season.
The Competitive Landscape of Formula 2
As the 2025 Formula 2 season draws to a close, all eyes are on the intense competition that defines the series. With the grid filled with emerging talent and seasoned drivers alike, every race presents a unique challenge. The rivalry among teams and drivers intensifies as they vie for points and positions, adding to the excitement of the final rounds.
Tsolov and Dürksen represent the dynamic mix of experience and fresh talent in F2. Both drivers are eager to showcase their skills and contribute to their teams’ successes. As they prepare for the upcoming races, the stakes are undeniably high, with the potential for thrilling battles on the track.
The Role of Team Strategy in F2
In Formula 2, team strategy plays an essential role in determining race outcomes. Teams must carefully consider factors such as tire choices, pit stop timing, and race pace to maximize their drivers’ performances. For Tsolov, the support from Campos will be crucial as he navigates the complexities of his debut weekend in F2.
Dürksen, too, is aware of the importance of strategic planning. With his experience and familiarity with the team, he hopes to leverage these elements to achieve his goals in the final races. The collaboration between drivers and their teams can often make the difference between a podium finish and a disappointing result.
Looking Ahead to the Final Rounds
As the countdown to the final rounds of the 2025 Formula 2 season continues, the excitement among drivers, teams, and fans is palpable. With so much at stake, the upcoming races in Qatar promise to be a showcase of skill, determination, and competitive spirit.
For Dürksen and Tsolov, the opportunity to make an impact in their respective careers is significant. Both drivers are poised to seize the moment and demonstrate their abilities on the international stage. As they prepare for the challenges ahead, their focus will be on delivering strong performances that could shape their futures in motorsport.
In conclusion, the final rounds of the 2025 Formula 2 season are set to deliver unforgettable moments on the track. With a mix of experience and new talent, drivers like Joshua Dürksen and Nikola Tsolov are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The stage is set for an exhilarating conclusion to the season, and fans can expect nothing less than thrilling racing action.