FORMULA 4 – BRNO 2026

Four Days of Car Development, Second Place and a Crucial Championship Decision

The penultimate Carbonia Cup race weekend took us to the Masaryk Circuit in Brno, where I was competing in my first Formula 4 race at this venue.

As I had not previously raced at Brno in our Tatuus F4 T-421 Gen 2, we visited the circuit for testing one week before the event. Our objective was to learn the track, prepare the car setup and gather as much information as possible ahead of the race weekend.

A Difficult Test and Four Days in the Workshop

Our initial test did not go according to plan.

The car was not behaving as expected, and I was struggling to extract its potential. Meanwhile, our mechanics were working to identify the problems and find ways to improve the setup.

Since the beginning of the season, we had also been dealing with tyre tread separation on the left-hand side of the car, an issue that required a thorough investigation.

After returning to Náchod, our technical team spent four intensive days working on the Formula 4 car. They inspected the chassis, suspension geometry and other parameters before making substantial setup changes.

We therefore returned to Brno for the race weekend with a car that had a significantly different setup from the previous test.

Naturally, there was some uncertainty. If the practice sessions were shortened, we might not have enough time to evaluate the changes and make any further adjustments before qualifying.

We also prepared a more conservative strategy, aimed at minimising the risk of losing valuable championship points.

A Much-Improved Car and a Strong Qualifying Performance

The very first practice session confirmed that our mechanics' hard work had paid off.

The car felt considerably better than during the previous test, giving me much more confidence under braking and through the corners.

We therefore decided not to make any further major setup changes before qualifying. My priority was to become familiar with the car's new handling characteristics and adapt my driving accordingly.

Qualifying went very well. I secured second place in the Formula 4 class, with only a small time gap to my fastest rival.

For our family-run team, competing in its first season with a modern Formula 4 single-seater, this was an important confirmation that our technical development was moving in the right direction.

Racing Among More Than Thirty Single-Seaters

More than thirty single-seater cars from different categories lined up for the race.

I made a clean start and negotiated the first corner without problems. However, my closest F4 rival managed to overtake a slower Formula 3 car ahead of us earlier than I did, allowing him to build a lead of approximately one second.

Throughout the following laps, the gap between us remained relatively stable.

Of course, I wanted to win. But I quickly realised that catching another driver and finding a safe opportunity to overtake are two very different challenges.

With approximately three laps remaining, I noticed that my rival's car appeared to be developing a problem. I had an opportunity to increase the pressure and attempt an attack.

At the same time, I knew that a mistake or contact could cost us valuable championship points.

According to our provisional championship calculations, second place was sufficient to secure the overall Formula 4 class lead in the season standings.

At that moment, I remembered something my father often tells me:

“The fastest driver does not always win the championship. Sometimes, it is the driver who makes the smartest decisions.”

I decided not to take unnecessary risks, maintained my position and focused on bringing the car home.

I crossed the finish line in second place in the Formula 4 class.

It was one of the most important decisions of my racing career so far. It was not simply about speed, but also about understanding the situation and taking responsibility for the entire team.

Brno Is Not Yet One of My Favourite Circuits

My father and I have slightly different opinions about the Masaryk Circuit.

He has always enjoyed racing at Brno and looks forward to returning. I cannot yet say that it is one of my favourite circuits.

However, after watching my Formula 4 onboard footage together, he admitted that he could understand my point of view.

A circuit looks and feels very different from the cockpit of a single-seater just a few centimetres above the asphalt compared with driving a fully-bodied racing car.

Every circuit has its own character, and Brno remains a track where I still have plenty to learn.

A Huge Thank You to SVC GROUP RACING

I would like to thank all our mechanics, especially my father, Vladimír Vitver, and Miroslav Michl.

Following a difficult test, they managed to transform the handling of our car in just four days and prepare a competitive Formula 4 single-seater for the race weekend.

Although we have only been gaining experience in Formula 4 since the beginning of this season, the team has made significant progress in technical preparation, chassis setup and overall race car operations.

I truly appreciate the time and effort everyone puts into the programme.

I am also very pleased with how my first season has developed following my transition directly from junior karting to Formula 4.

Our extensive testing programme has given me valuable experience, not only in driving the car but also in working closely with the technical team.

Another important achievement is that we have not suffered a single race retirement due to a technical failure throughout the season.

For our family-run team, this is an important demonstration of preparation, reliability and commitment.

Grand Finale Most – Returning to Where It All Began

I am heading into the final Carbonia Cup race weekend at Most knowing that we have achieved our main sporting objectives during our first Formula 4 season.

Most is a special circuit for me.

It was here that I began my first proper Formula 4 programme in 2026.

Now I am returning with much more experience, several victories in the F4 class and great confidence in our team.

I want to enjoy the final race, deliver the best performance I can and finish my first Formula 4 season at the circuit where this journey began.

Matyas Vitver #72

SVC GROUP RACING
Tatuus F4 T-421 Gen 2
www.matyasvitver.com