Stepping up to F2 with DAMS in 2026 a ‘no brainer’ says Bilinski

Roman Bilinski says it is natural that he aims for the title this season – but knows he has a lot of work to do with DAMS Lucas Oil for that to happen this year.

The Polish driver had a solid opening round in Melbourne, achieving his maiden point in the Sprint Race, finishing eighth, before placing 12th in the Feature.

It’s a solid start to Bilinski’s rookie season with the French team and speaking prior to Round 1, he gave his thoughts on the 2026 campaign.

“I feel incredible,” said Bilinski. “DAMS is an amazing team. They've always performed in Formula 2 and I hope to build on that success.

“They had an amazing year last year and I hope Dino Beganovic and I can push the team forward and I hope to improve on that again.”

Bilinski steps up to F2 after a strong year in Formula 3, achieving one win in the Monza Sprint Race, and two more podiums in Melbourne and Monte Carlo.

The 22-year-old finished 11th in the Drivers’ Standings, and while he says there were thoughts on trying to go back to win the title, joining DAMS in F2 was the right choice.

“There's always the thought of doing a second year,” he said. “I think the first year was very strong with Rodin in my rookie year, we had some fantastic results.

“When you take into consideration some things that were out of our control, I'd be a lot higher than where I finished in the championship.

READ MORE

• ‘I’m up for the challenge’ – Varrone on seizing the chance to race in F2 with VAR
• Cian Shields aiming to utilise team balance and experience in second F2 campaign

“But having the opportunity then to race with DAMS in F2 was a no-brainer and for sure we had to take it 100%.”

Bilinski also spoke about the preparation he had over the winter, which involved physical preparation as well as looking heavily into the data he had gathered from testing.

“It's been intense, to be honest,” said Bilinski on his off-season. “You know, Formula 2 is now another step up and for the first time in my career, you can officially say the next step would be Formula 1, the dream.

“So, everything's very intense, everything's pushed to the max. But, fitness-wise, mentally, with the team on the simulator, talking about data, everything has just been another level.

“We look at last year’s data, where other people on the team could have done better and then looking at the post-season tests and where I could have done better.

“Putting that all together to hopefully improve as a team and also as a driver.”

Bilinski’s preparation is all about laying a foundation for the season, especially with Qualifying. The Polish driver was 12th in Melbourne, just 0.064s away from a place in the top 10.

The DAMS rookie knows getting inside the top 10 is incredibly important for both races, especially early on in the campaign, something he did in Formula 3.

“I think qualifying is always super important, whatever championship you're in,” said Bilinski. “A lot of that can come down to car, team and driver.

“So it's just best preparing for all of that. But saying that also, last year I started strong. It was my first time in Australia, my first race in Formula 3 and I was on the podium.

“So I think I've got a good foundation in myself and also within the team and I just keep building on this, and then hopefully that can bring success.”

READ MORE

• Gabriele Minì aiming for F2 redemption in 2026
• ‘I feel like myself again’ – Maini on rediscovering his confidence with ART in 2026

When asked whether he sets any goals for the season, Bilinski responded: “Yes, I have goals. Of course being a racing driver I want to win the championship, otherwise, this wouldn't be the correct sport for me.

“But also, it's going to be my rookie season. I'm just looking to do the best job that I can do. Keep learning every weekend and after every session, and we'll see in December where we are in the championship.”