Duerksen delivers a perfect Monza weekend
Joshua Duerksen claimed a record-equaling eighth Formula 2 victory at Monza, completing a dominant weekend with his fourth win of the 2026 season. After taking Saturday’s Sprint Race, the Invicta Racing driver added the Feature Race victory to become the clear force of the weekend.
Rafael Câmara finished second for Invicta, securing valuable Championship points, while Campos Racing’s Noel León continued his strong run of form by completing the podium. Duerksen’s result also capped a race that repeatedly tested the lead battle between the two Invicta teammates.
The weekend had already begun with Câmara taking F2 pole at Monza, but Duerksen made the stronger launch and moved ahead on the opening lap after Câmara missed the first corner and cut across the chicane. Câmara regained the lead on Lap 4 using DRS, only for Duerksen to respond one lap later at Turn 1. The Brazilian returned the favour on Lap 6 before the pit-stop phase began.
Pit stops reshape the order
Duerksen pitted as soon as the mandatory-stop window opened at the end of Lap 6. Câmara stayed out for another two laps, while Alexander Dunne responded on Lap 7 but suffered a major lock-up while slowing for the pit entry. When Câmara finally stopped, he rejoined behind his teammate but ahead of Dunne, while León moved ahead of Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak after the ART driver’s stop.
A Safety Car was then deployed after Colton Herta spun into the gravel at Parabolica. Racing resumed on Lap 17, with Duerksen immediately establishing control. Dunne challenged Câmara into Turn 1 but locked up while attempting a switchback toward Turn 4, dropping behind León and into fourth.
Câmara later closed to within 0.3 seconds of Duerksen and brought León into the fight. However, the leader held firm through the closing laps. Câmara forced Duerksen into a defensive line at the first corner on the penultimate lap, but could not find a way through. Duerksen controlled the final run to Parabolica and completed the Monza double.
León finished third ahead of John Bennett and Ritomo Miyata. Dunne held sixth, followed by Nikola Tsolov, Inthraphuvasak, Oliver Goethe and Nico Varrone.
Championship picture
Nikola Tsolov remains the Championship leader on 177 points, with Câmara second on 166. Gabriele Minì is third on 147, while Dunne holds fourth on 118, four points ahead of León.
Campos Racing leads the Teams’ Standings on 291 points, ahead of Invicta Racing on 244. The championship now moves to Madrid for Round 10 at the brand-new Madring circuit, scheduled for September 11–13.
“This is a dream come true and I’m just so thankful to God that I have this opportunity,” Duerksen said.
