F2 title hopeful Gabriele Mini said it’s important to keep up the momentum in the title race after winning the Sprint Race in Hungary. 

The MP Motorsport driver passed PREMA’s Sebastian Montoya to clinch victory and cut 10 points from his deficit to championship leader Nikola Tsolov, who clashed with Montoya and scored no points. 

The Italian declared he and MP the fastest combination on the day, saying it was a win that was needed, not just for his championship chances, but also to reward the team for their efforts. 

On the hunt ?

The moment @MiniGabriele reminded the world that he isn't going to give up in the championship fight ?#F2 #HungarianGP pic.twitter.com/PZ8BhJK0Ha

— Formula 2 (@Formula2) July 25, 2026

He said the key to victory was managing the medium compound Pirelli tyre on a scorching afternoon in Budapest.

“We had quite good pace straight away, but I didn’t want to push too much too soon,” he said. “So I started was saving for some laps. And then when I knew that, we had some advantage, we just tried an attack. At first it didn’t work. Then after the second or third one worked.”

Once in clear air, Mini was out of reach, even before Tsolov and Montoya tangled. And following a short VSC (virtual safety car) period to recover the stranded PREMA, the Alpine Academy driver was too quick for the chasing pack to catch him.

“I knew where I was quicker”

Mini expanded on how he grabbed the lead, which happened at Turn 1 on Lap 17.

“I was much quicker in the last two corners, which was always a help,” he explained to the media.

That extra speed, and the help of DRS (drag reduction system) forced Montoya, who had led from reverse-grid pole position, to defend heavily into the first corner. 

But the PREMA driver went deep and opened up the chance for Mini to sweep through. 

Montoya vs Minì ??

A lock-up from Sebastian Montoya was all that was needed for @MiniGabriele to complete the race-winning move ??#F2 #HungarianGP pic.twitter.com/yIi6jbdpXd

— Formula 2 (@Formula2) July 25, 2026

Mini added: “It was all about trying to follow in the second sector, which is the hardest part. And then once I managed to do that and be, I think, within three, four tenths, it was all about getting that last corner exit, which I did and managed to get a clean overtake.”

Despite his victory on Saturday, Mini said there was much work ahead overnight to ensure he could make the most of Sunday’s race, which he will now start ahead of Tsolov, who was handed a grid-drop for Sunday’s race. 

“We clearly showed the pace [today]. But, there is always something to learn and improve. So we’ll take everything we can to try and at least to replicate or get even better tomorrow.”

A massive win for @MiniGabriele ?

The Italian bounces back from a frustrating Qualifying yesterday and closes the gap in the title race ??#F2 #HungarianGP pic.twitter.com/NwigUDuVZC

— Formula 2 (@Formula2) July 25, 2026

Image Credit – Formula Motorsport Limited via Getty