Nikola Tsolov drops to fourth after Barcelona F2 Feature Race penalty

Tsolov Penalised After Post-Race Review

Nikola Tsolov has lost his Barcelona FIA Formula 2 Feature Race podium after the stewards handed the Campos Racing driver a five-second post-race penalty for completing an overtake off the circuit.

Their conclusion was that Tsolov had completed the pass on Minì while off the circuit through Turns 10 and 11, in breach of Article 27.3 of the FIA Formula 2 Sporting Regulations. The ruling changes the complexion of a Feature Race that had already produced a tense podium fight, following Rafael Câmara’s victory in Barcelona, as covered in our report on the Barcelona F2 Feature Race.

Marginal Offence, Major Consequence

That detail was significant in the final sanction. Rather than applying a heavier punishment, the stewards imposed a lesser five-second time penalty, reflecting the narrow nature of the breach while still enforcing the regulation against gaining an advantage outside track limits.

For Tsolov, the consequence is nevertheless substantial. With the penalty applied, he is now classified fourth in the Feature Race results. Alexander Dunne is promoted to second, while Minì moves up to third.

Revised Podium Order

The decision means the final podium no longer matches the order at the flag. Dunne inherits P2, Minì takes P3, and Tsolov is left just outside the podium places after a decision that hinged on a tiny but decisive moment at Turns 10 and 11.

In a category where margins are often razor-thin, this was a classic example of how a seemingly marginal track-limits infringement can carry a significant sporting cost. The stewards acknowledged the offence was brief and difficult to verify, but once confirmed, the result had to be amended.