Nikolay Varbitsaliev: Nikola Will Only Now Realize His Achievement Today

“Nikola performed at an exceptionally high level, completing the required 300 kilometers without major errors, which qualifies him to drive in a Formula 1 free practice session,” Varbitsaliev explained. “But he didn't stop there; he continued driving and completed an incredibly extensive program – over 700 kilometers, 14 sets of tires, 6 of which were brand new. He drove with various tire compounds and different setups.”

“I believe that once he's alone, Nikola will realize what he accomplished today, whether it's when he goes to sleep or tomorrow morning when he says to himself: 'I drove a Formula 1 car and performed brilliantly.' That realization is yet to fully sink in.”

“Now we're back to Formula 2; the battle resumes next week at Monza, and the transition back from a Formula 1 car isn't easy.”

“Some of Nikola's initial impressions of the car today were about its incredible downforce. The harder you push through corners and the faster you go, the better the car grips and the more stable it feels. With Formula 2 cars, the situation is quite different.”