Nikola TsolovPlayer·Nikola Tsolov delivered a commanding performance to secure victory in the Formula 2Competition·Formula 2 Feature Race on the iconic streets of Monte Carlo. This triumph marks his third win on the prestigious Monaco circuit across his Formula 3Competition·Formula 3 and Formula 2Competition·Formula 2 career, and his third victory of the current Formula 2Competition·Formula 2 season.
The win holds particular significance for Tsolov, who described it as a "great redemption" after a difficult outing in Canada two weeks prior. During the Montreal event, the Bulgarian driver was stripped of points in both races due to penalties, with the sanction in the Circuit Gilles VilleneuveVenue·Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Feature Race being notably contentious.
From the outset in Monaco, Tsolov demonstrated his intent, pushing hard to maintain pressure on Rafa CamaraPlayer·Rafa Camara during the initial phase of the race. His strategy focused on forcing an error from his rival while managing tire degradation on the demanding street circuit. A timely pit stop proved crucial, allowing Tsolov to execute a clean out-lap despite slippery conditions, subsequently overtaking both Rafa CamaraPlayer·Rafa Camara and Alex DunnPlayer·Alex Dunn to seize the lead.
"It's an incredible feeling to win for the third consecutive time in Monaco, twice in Formula 3 and now in Formula 2," Nikola Tsolov stated after the race. "It feels like my mission on this track is almost complete. I truly love this place. In qualifying, I was first in my group, but unfortunately, I narrowly missed pole position. Today, I fought until the finish, never giving up. Rafa (Camara) was also very fast. We chose a better strategy in the pits, so I feel incredible. It's a great redemption for what happened in Canada."
He further elaborated on his race craft: "Throughout the first phase of the race, I pushed to stay close to Rafa, trying to make him make a mistake, which was my goal. At one point, I felt the tires were going, and on the same lap, I decided to pit because I barely made it through the hairpin, so it was quite bad. After that, I tried to do a clean first lap after my stop; it was very slippery, but I managed, and then I overtook both of them (Camara and Alex DunnPlayer·Alex Dunn)."
This victory not only adds to Tsolov's impressive record in Monaco but also provides a crucial boost to his championship aspirations after the recent setbacks. "To win in Monaco is the best feeling in the world. In Formula 2Competition·Formula 2, it's even better than in Formula 3Competition·Formula 3. After the difficult moments of the last two weekends, the victory is even sweeter," Tsolov concluded, underscoring the emotional weight of his performance.
Nikola Tsolov of Campos Racing during the Formula 2 Monaco Grand Prix in Monaco. DeFodi Images/IMAGO
DeFodi Images/IMAGOThis article was generated by AI (gemini-2.5-flash). Learn more.
