Stenshorne Targets Strong Finish After Mid-Season Challenges and Spa Podium

Martinius Stenshorne, a rookie in the 2026 Formula 2 season, finds himself reflecting on a campaign marked by significant fluctuations in performance. The Rodin Motorsport driver, currently ninth in the Drivers’ Standings with 59 points, has experienced both the thrill of victory and the frustration of a mid-season slump. His season recently gained renewed momentum following a podium finish at Spa-Francorchamps, signaling a potential turnaround as the championship heads into its latter stages.

The Norwegian racer began his maiden Formula 2 year with impressive consistency, immediately establishing himself as a front-runner. Across the initial four rounds of the season, Stenshorne consistently qualified within the top four, a testament to his raw speed. This early promise culminated in a breakthrough performance at the Montreal Feature Race, where he converted a third-place grid slot into his first victory in the category. He followed this with a solid fifth-place finish in the Monaco Feature Race, maintaining a strong points tally.

However, the trajectory of his season shifted noticeably after the Monte Carlo event. Stenshorne endured a challenging period, failing to score any points in the subsequent three rounds held in Barcelona, Spielberg, and Silverstone. This dip in form contrasted sharply with his strong start, leading to frustration within his camp. Speaking ahead of the summer break, Stenshorne openly acknowledged the difficulties. "Recently, it’s not been very good, I must say," he commented, referring to the streak of non-scoring races that followed an initially robust performance run.

He contrasted this with the early rounds where points were scored "very often," and any failure to do so was typically due to on-track incidents. The team has since worked to address the underlying issues. Stenshorne indicated that the team identified the root causes of their struggles, leading to significant adjustments. "We know now what was wrong," he affirmed, explaining that "big changes for Spa" were implemented, which subsequently improved their competitiveness.

This strategic recalibration delivered immediate results, with Stenshorne securing a second-place finish in the Spa-Francorchamps Sprint Race. The podium marked a crucial return to form and offered a significant boost to confidence for both driver and team. The racer felt he had "a bit of margin" during the Spa races, indicating a more comfortable and effective performance from the car.

Beyond the performance on track, Stenshorne expressed satisfaction with his new partnership with Rodin Motorsport for the 2026 season. He highlighted a positive and relaxed team atmosphere, which includes his long-time friend and teammate, Alexander Dunne. The Norwegian praised the team's environment and acknowledged the competitive performance of their car, noting that the supportive backdrop makes the experience even more enjoyable, particularly when results are positive.

This season in Formula 2 represents a vital opportunity for Stenshorne to consistently demonstrate his abilities after what he described as a challenging couple of years in Formula 3. Despite achieving three victories across his two F3 campaigns, where he finished 13th and then fifth, he felt he could not always perform at his peak. The current F2 season, with its early successes, has allowed him to showcase the speed he always believed he possessed, reinforcing his capabilities.

He recalled the frustration of knowing his potential but struggling to consistently deliver it, especially when seeing former competitors perform well. "Seeing people you fought with before doing well and you are not able to do the same, it hurts a bit," he admitted. However, he also emphasized his inner conviction: "I knew what I was capable of." This self-belief, he feels, has been validated this year, as the underlying pace has often been strong, even when results haven't always reflected it.

Looking ahead, Stenshorne shares the common aspiration of many in the F2 paddock: reaching Formula 1. He understands that strong results are paramount for progression, and while acknowledging his recent performance fluctuations, he remains hopeful. He trusts that the consistent underlying pace he has demonstrated will be recognized by those at the highest level.

His immediate focus, however, is firmly on the remainder of the 2026 Formula 2 season. Stenshorne articulated clear goals: to return to winning races, mirroring his early-season success, and to consistently contend for podium finishes, particularly in the longer Feature Races. Ultimately, he aims to improve his position in the championship standings, with a strong emphasis on achieving positive results in each upcoming event to conclude the season on a high note.

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