Abu Dhabi – Roman Staněk‘s bid for a top-ten finish in the Formula 2 championship suffered a setback Saturday at the Yas Marina Circuit, as a tenth-place finish in the sprint race left him 11th in the drivers’ standings heading into Sunday’s season finale. Despite showing notable qualifying speed, the 21-year-old Czech driver was hampered by the reversed grid format, ultimately failing to secure any points in the shorter race. With his current team, Invicta Racing, confirming he won’t continue with them next season, Sunday’s race takes on added significance as Staněk explores potential opportunities in Formula 1 or Super Formula.
Roman Staněk delivered a pair of qualifying times that would have secured pole position during the final qualifying session of the season. The 21-year-old driver expressed confidence on Friday, stating his car felt like a rocket, but the sprint race on Saturday didn’t yield the same results.
Due to a reversed grid for the shorter race, Staněk started from tenth and finished in the same position. This meant he didn’t score any points in the drivers’ standings and remains 11th overall heading into the final race.
Sunday’s race could be the final Formula 2 championship event for the Invicta driver. It’s confirmed that he will not continue with the successful team beyond this season.
His manager, Jan Šťovíček, discussed negotiations with several Formula 1 teams in Qatar last week regarding a potential test driver role, or a move to the Japanese Super Formula series. A return to F2 with a different team hasn’t been ruled out either. A firm decision on Staněk’s future will come after the season finale.
Jak Crawford will start Sunday’s race from second, putting immediate pressure on Staněk, alongside teammate and already-crowned F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli.
Roman Staněk’s hopes for a strong finish to the Formula 2 season took a hit in Saturday’s sprint race at Abu Dhabi. Despite qualifying with pace that suggested a potential pole position, the Invicta driver was unable to convert that speed into points.
Staněk initially expressed optimism about his car’s performance, describing it as “like a rocket” on Friday. However, the reversed grid format for the sprint race forced him to start from tenth, and he ultimately finished in the same position, failing to register any championship points.
The result leaves Staněk 11th in the drivers’ standings as he heads into the final race of the season. With his future at Invicta uncertain, Sunday’s race could be his last appearance in the F2 championship.
According to his manager, Jan Šťovíček, Staněk is exploring options for 2026, including a potential test driver role with a Formula 1 team or a move to the competitive Japanese Super Formula series. A return to F2 with another team remains a possibility as well. A decision is expected after the season-ending race.
Staněk will have his work cut out for him on Sunday, starting near the front of the pack with Jak Crawford alongside and reigning champion Leonardo Fornaroli also in contention. The race promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the F2 season.
