Nikola Tsolov Dominates Spielberg Feature Race, Closing Championship Gap

In a commanding performance at the Red Bull Ring, Nikola Tsolov of Campos Racing secured victory in the 2025 Formula 3 Feature Race on June 29, marking his second consecutive win at this venue. Starting from pole position, Tsolov maintained his lead throughout the race, ultimately finishing ahead of Martinius Stenshorne of Hitech TGR and Tim Tramnitz of MP Motorsport, who completed the podium after impressive recoveries from lower grid positions.

The race commenced with Tsolov demonstrating his skill by immediately asserting dominance, creating a gap of 1.9 seconds from his nearest competitor, Brad Benavides, by the second lap. This early lead proved crucial as Tsolov then focused on maximizing his advantage while the drivers behind him engaged in fierce battles for position.

Ugochukwu quickly emerged as a standout performer, moving through the field to challenge for second place, while Benavides struggled after a lock-up sent him down the grid. By lap six, the competition became more intense, with several drivers jockeying for positions that would determine podium placements. Tsolov's early lead and strategic driving allowed him to maintain a comfortable margin over the competitors, even as Stenshorne and Tramnitz made significant gains.

As the race progressed, Tsolov's lead expanded to over six seconds, showcasing not only speed but also a tactical approach that emphasized consistency over aggressive risks. After completing the race in a time of approximately 32 minutes, Tsolov's victory significantly tightened the championship standings, positioning him just one point behind current leader Rafael Câmara, who finished sixth.

The implications of this race extend beyond individual accolades. As Tsolov approaches the second half of the season, his performance at Spielberg serves as a pivotal moment in his championship campaign. He stated, "P1, and I did the best I could. Didn’t try to push too much for the fastest lap, but we wanted to ensure I stayed ahead and won the race, which we did. Only one point off the Championship lead, which is good news and a lot of confidence heading into the second half of the year."

The current championship standings reflect Tsolov's ascension, with Câmara leading at 115 points, closely followed by Tsolov at 114. Tim Tramnitz's strong showing has placed him third with 90 points, while Noah Stromsted and Martinius Stenshorne are tied at 60 points each. In the Teams' Championship, TRIDENT remains at the top with 196 points, but their lead over Campos Racing has narrowed to just five points.

Looking ahead, the next round of the championship will take place at Silverstone from July 04-06, where the drivers will face new challenges on a different circuit. As the competition heats up, the question remains: who will emerge victorious at the British venue? With the championship race tighter than ever, each subsequent event will be crucial for drivers seeking to claim the title in this fiercely competitive series.