Victor Martins sees the pressure increasing before tackling Imola

Victor Martins's chaotic start to the 2025 season has turned into a real obstacle course. In Jeddah, the Frenchman was finally able to secure his first podium finish, although the race's scenario left a feeling of unfinished business for the man who had narrowly escaped pole position on Friday. Stuck behind Jak Crawford, beaten by Richard Verschoor's winning strategy, the academy's new protégé Williams definitely fails to convert his speed on a lap into success.

Victim of two accidents in Melbourne and Bahrain, Victor Martins was caught out by the rain in Australia during the sprint race. While he was keen to get back on track in the main race, he did not have the opportunity since it was ultimately canceled due to weather conditions deemed unplayable. On the Sakhir circuit, a collision at the end of the straight ruined his hopes of a result in the sprint race right from the start. At the end of the main race, the car No. 14 came to a standstill, in a frustrating fifth place.

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Martins victim of a repulsive paradox

This season, Victor Martins' strong suit is undeniable. Fast over a lap, the ART Grand Prix driver can once again feel some regrets so far. In three qualifying sessions, he has climbed to second place on the grid three times. Beaten by Gabriele Mini (who finally started on pole after the Italian's penalty), by Leonardo Fornaroli by a tenth and a half, then by Jak Crawford by 22 thousandths of a second, the man who was named rookie of the year in 2023 seems to be making a series of minor mistakes.

Confident despite everything in view of the upcoming races, Victor Martins spoke to AUTOhebdo about this repeated scenario experienced since Melbourne: “Some strategies pay off more than others, and by starting out in front, you can't always take too many risks, he explains. Once again, we know what we're doing with the car. There are always things to improve, compromises to find, details to optimize. But that shouldn't lead to negativity. This year, we're very calm. The approach to the season has been very healthy."

Aiming at both the title in Formula 2 and an accession in Formula 1Victor Martins continues to hold on to his goal. At Imola, a victory would be a lifesaver. In addition to truly launching his season, it would undoubtedly mark the beginning of a dynamic that has been ardently sought for two months now. The first European round of the year, this one already looks like a decisive turning point for the future of the French driver in search of progression.

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