Rafael Câmara on 2026 title ambitions: ‘I want to have no regrets’

After his stellar 2025 season in FIA Formula 3, claiming the Drivers’ Championship in his rookie campaign, Rafael Câmara is now preparing for his step up to FIA Formula 2.

Joining reigning Teams’ Champions Invicta Racing, the Brazilian is feeling positive ahead of the new campaign as he embarks on a potentially pivotal campaign in his career.

Speaking ahead of Barcelona pre-season testing, the Invicta driver explained how his break had gone, what he’d been up to and what he’ll be doing ahead of the season getting underway in Melbourne.

“I’m feeling good. I went home to recharge the batteries a bit after a good year. We also had the end of the year test, and everyone was pushing for the same goals.

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I also have a strong teammate, Joshua. It was a good test in Abu Dhabi. After going back home to see family and friends, I did a bit of motorsports, then back to Europe, I started all the prep again.

“Basically, I never really stopped the prep. Getting back into doing some sim and then also back into the routine of training and everything else. So, I’m feeling good ahead of the big challenge this year. I'm very excited to start this new chapter and new season ahead.”

Câmara got his first taste of F2 action around Yas Marina after the end of the season in December, taking part in post-season testing with Invicta for three crucial days of learning.

Explaining what he was able to take from the test, the Brazilian explained the differences from the F3 car and the tougher aspects of making the step up to F2.

“Of course, you feel like the car is a bit heavier. When driving, you just need to be a bit calmer. Also, with the turbo, there's a big difference. It was quite natural to adapt and get used to the car quite quickly.

“It was a very positive first few days with the car, because everything came very naturally. Also, working with the team, it felt like we'd been working together for a long time already. Like I said, I think the biggest difference I felt was the turbo.

“The carbon brakes were a bit different than I was used to. Also, the pit stops that you never had before. It took a bit more time to get it right.

Of course, he will be aiming to do what the last two drivers who made the step from TRIDENT in F3 to Invicta in F2 have done, winning the Drivers’ titles in back-to-back seasons.

Following in the footsteps of Gabriel Bortoleto and Leonardo Fornaroli, Câmara doesn’t see that as a huge pressure. Instead, he says he is focused on himself, maximising his season and ensuring he doesn’t have any regrets once the final chequered flag in 2026 falls.

“Seeing what Gabriel and Leo did, of course gives you some confidence that I'll be with one of the best teams on the grid. But for now, I’m focused on myself and preparing for the season with my team and take things race-by-race. It's a long championship. You don't win in the beginning.

“I think the process will be about learning. If we can start like last year, it will be perfect. But it will be the same mindset whatever happens in the beginning, we just keep working to get better through the season and always do our best when we can and control the things that I can control.

“Some things are not under my control will probably happen sometimes. A bit of bad luck or things that are not under your control and you cannot do anything. So, I don't spend too much energy on these things and instead focus on the goal: fighting for the championship. I just want to finish the season with no regrets.”