F2 news: Five prospects to keep an eye on this season – Rafael Camara, Alex Dunne and more

Since George Russell won the title in 2018, no F2 champion has made it to F1 the following season, and fewer rookies have made the step up over those six years.

In 2025, the tide turned with six rookies on the grid, including double junior champion Gabriel Bortoleto. Arvid Lindblad is the only rookie this season, but a strong F2 field could suggest more fresh faces make the step up in 2027. 

Here, Sports News Blitz writer and F1 fan Luca Salmasi takes a look at five prospects that fans should keep an eye on this season. 

Rafael Camara - Invicta Racing

Rafael Camara is one of the hottest prospects in F2 this season, with a brilliant junior career so far.

The Brazilian won FRECA with Prema in 2024, then later joined Trident in Formula E in 2025, wrapping up the title before the last race.

Over the season, he claimed four wins and five podiums, finishing 42 points ahead of Nikola Tsolov.

This season, Camara is racing with Invicta, who have won the last two F2 titles with Gabriel Bortoleto and Leonardo Fornaroli. 

That puts him in a prime position to win F1’s feeder series back-to-back and potentially place himself among the likes of George Russell, Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri, and Bortoleto.

Camara is also part of the Ferrari Driver Academy, and if his season goes well, he could seriously shake up the F1 driver market. 

Even if a seat at Ferrari doesn’t open up, he could firmly put his name in the frame at any other team in the paddock.

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Alex Dunne - Rodin Motorsport

Alex Dunne impressed in his rookie F2 season, taking two wins and eight podiums on his way to fifth in the standings. 

Returning to Rodin Motorsport and newly signed to Alpine’s young driver programme after leaving McLaren’s, the Irishman has already shown maturity and composure, marking him as a likely title contender this year. 

Armed with confidence and a win‑or‑bust mentality, he is targeting the championship to propel himself towards an F1 seat whilst having the chance to become the first Irishman on the grid since Ralph Firman in 2003.

Colton Herta - Hitech GP

Colton Herta is a driver recognised by many fans, having transitioned from IndyCar after signing as Cadillac’s testing and reserve driver.

The latest addition to the F1 grid has the American in its plans for the sport's future, which is why he has moved to F2.

Despite this, he is competing to showcase his skills for a potential move to the main championship while collecting his FIA Super Licence, which could eventually see him replace either Valtteri Bottas or Sergio Perez.

Although Herta clearly has talent, with eight wins in IndyCar and a best championship finish of second in 2024, joining Hitech is a good move, as they provide a strong foundation for success.

However, the main question remains whether his experience in North America can be effectively translated.

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Sebastian Montoya

Sebastian Montoya will have more pressure than most to deliver success this season, as he has a big name to live up to as the son of former driver Juan Pablo Montoya.

The young Colombian made his debut in the category in 2025 with Italian outfit Prema.

It was an inconsistent season, but there were still positives, as he picked up three podiums in Monaco, Barcelona, and Silverstone.

A second season could bring an upturn in form for Montoya and set up a closely fought intra-team battle alongside Aston Martin junior driver Mari Boya.

Despite this, the pressure will be constant, as we’ve seen with other sons of former drivers.

He will need to shake off the inconsistencies of last season if he is to follow in his father’s footsteps and reach the pinnacle of motorsport. 

With other Red Bull juniors on the grid, he will certainly have to stand out from the crowd and deliver a truly special season.

Nikola Tsolov - Campos Racing

Rafael Camara’s F3 title rival, Nikola Tsolov, will step up to F2 with Campos Racing. 

The Bulgarian continued to improve in F3 in 2025, narrowly missing out in a thrilling title battle and ultimately finishing runner-up to Camara with two wins and six podiums.

Tsolov made his F2 debut at the end of the season, replacing Pepe Martí after the Spaniard switched to Formula E. 

He immediately showed what he was capable of by taking a maiden podium in Abu Dhabi.

Now, with a full-time seat in F2, Tsolov could reignite his rivalry with Camara this season. 

As a member of the highly competitive Red Bull Junior Team, he will need to be at the top of his game to put himself in contention for a future seat in F1.

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