As the 2025 FIA Formula 2 Championship season enters its crucial second half, one narrative continues to stand out – the exceptional consistency of Leonardo Fornaroli.
In one of the most competitive and unpredictable F2 campaigns in recent memory, the Italian rookie has delivered a remarkable series of results behind the wheel of his Invicta Racing car.
With two pole positions to his name at Sakhir and Spielberg, Leonardo is currently the only repeat polesitter on the grid this season and has thus far never failed to qualify in the top 10.
“It’s a very nice feeling,” says Leonardo. “I think there was more I could have done at some of the other rounds too, as we were close to pole at a few circuits. It really shows how strong our pace is in Qualifying.”
From the beginning of the season, Leonardo and Invicta Racing have placed sharp focus on maximising one-lap performance by combining his natural pace with the team’s detailed preparation and data-driven setup work.
“We have worked on Qualifying a lot,” he says. “There’s a lot of preparation on Thursdays – analysing everything, making sure the setup is right, and that the run plan suits me.
“I’ve felt good in the car from the first race, which helps a lot. It’s now just about keeping this momentum going.”
©: Dutch Photo Agency
Leonardo’s flair over one lap has impressed throughout his junior career and translated seamlessly into Formula 2, but what sets the Italian apart is how he balances aggression with discipline.
“Qualifying has always been my strongest point in the junior categories,” he explains. “But in F2, it’s even more important to always finish the lap.
“If it’s a great lap, I don’t take unnecessary risks at the end – I just make sure that I complete it. Then, if the lap doesn’t start well, I’ll still give it my all for the rest of that run, because it can still be good enough to stay in the top 10.”
A solid foundation of historical data has also played a key role in preparing for this season’s battles. In 2024, Invicta Racing had equally strong Qualifying form, with drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Kush Maini taking three pole positions between them over the opening four race weekends of the season.
“It’s been a big help to have last year’s data,” continued Leonardo. “Both Gabriel and Kush had some strong performances, so being able to learn from their approach, run plans, and data is a huge advantage.”
©: Dutch Photo Agency
Despite his run of form in Qualifying, Leonardo knows that building a successful F2 campaign requires translating pace from Friday into good performances across Saturday and Sunday.
“I’ve learned a lot already this season, especially in the races,” he admitted. “The Feature Race in F2 is so different to what I’ve been used to. You have the pit stop, strategy and tyre management – there’s so many factors.
“I made some mistakes earlier in the year, but with experience, I’m hoping this will continue to improve over the second half of the season."
One of his first lessons came during the season-opener in Melbourne, where he experienced how quickly Qualifying can turn after a strong first run. A spin at the exit of Turn 12 during his final push lap denied him what could have been a pole position on debut.
“It was a big lesson,” he said. “No matter how good the first run feels, the second still matters. You have to stay focused and deliver on every lap.”
As the season charges into its second half, the balance of the title fight will inevitably swing back and forth. But, beneath the surface, Leonardo’s calm, calculated approach will continue to be one of the most compelling storylines on the grid.
In a championship built on unpredictability, could it be that the most understated contender has the final say? Whatever the outcome, the steady hand of Leonardo Fornaroli has undeniably made him a standout performer this season – and one his rivals should never underestimate.
