Nikola Tsolov Surpasses Leclerc and Russell in Formula 2 Record Books

Bulgarian driver Nikola Tsolov has emerged as the strongest rookie in Formula 2 history, boasting the highest number of victories in the first 14 races of the 2026 season. The "Bulgarian Lion" now has six wins in his debut season, having clinched both races in the latest round of the campaign at Silverstone.

Previously, the top two spots in this ranking were held by current Formula 1 stars Charles Leclerc and George Russell. In their respective Formula 2 rookie seasons, Leclerc achieved five wins in his first 14 races, while Russell secured four. Both drivers went on to become Formula 2 champions – Leclerc in 2017 and Russell in 2018.

Leclerc and Russell also share the record for the most wins in a single Formula 2 season, each with seven victories.

Leclerc accomplished this in 2017 with seven wins and ten podiums across 22 starts, while Russell matched it in 2028, also with seven wins but with eleven podiums in 24 races.

Ahead of the eighth round of the 2026 Formula 2 season at Spa, Nikola Tsolov leads the standings with 141 points, followed by the previous leader Gabriele Mini, who has 124.

Nikola secured the feature race in Melbourne, followed by the sprint race in Miami, the feature race in Monaco, and then recorded three consecutive victories starting from the feature race in Austria, including both races at Silverstone.