Van Amersfoort Racing’s Enzo Deligny delivered an impressive Formula 3 debut, claiming P2 in a shortened Sprint Race at the 2026 Australian GP, part of a stunning one-two finish for VAR alongside teammate Bruno del Pino.
A Dream Start to the Season
When the lights went out at Albert Park, del Pino and Deligny stormed off the line to lead the field into Turn 1. The VAR duo quickly established themselves at the front of the 2026 F3 Australian GP Sprint Race, with Deligny managing his race coolly despite an early DRS issue.
“I’d say if someone would tell me you’d be P2 in your first F3 race I’d definitely sign it so happy to start that way and good for the team as well, 1-2. Like Bruno [del Pino] said, shame that it was shorter and the DRS didn’t really work so when I saw that happen I just made my own bubble, made my own gap, and then made sure that I was managing my tyres, but otherwise it was quite a calm race,” Deligny said to the media, including Pit Debrief, after the Sprint Race.
A Positive Result for the Team
Deligny did not miss the one-two, acknowledging the importance of both VAR drivers making it into the points-paying positions.
“No, for sure, it was positive that we both got into the top 12 because if we were P13, it would have been a completely different weekend. So, a bit lucky on that side and then I think when you start on the front row on the Saturday you just kind of stay there so if you have the good pace and then tomorrow, obviously starting further back so it’ll be different with dirty air, but I’ll still do my best and obviously in clean air the pace looked normal, quite decent, so let’s see what we can do tomorrow.”
Red Flag Ends the Race Early
Teammates James Wharton and Louis Sharp brought the race to a premature end when they collided at Turn 6 on Lap 4. Sharp ran into the side of Wharton and went straight into the barriers, causing extensive damage that forced race control to red flag the proceedings and abandon the restart. Half points were awarded after the F3 2026 Australian GP Sprint Race, with del Pino taking the win, Deligny in second and Brando Badoer rounding out the podium in third.
What's rule one of racing your teammate? ????
— Formula 3 (@Formula3) March 7, 2026
The incident that brought the opening Sprint Race of 2026 to an early conclusion ❌#F3 #AusGP pic.twitter.com/jRXfEo1Kkn
The Personal Meaning Behind the Result
When asked by Pit Debrief what the 2026 F3 Australian GP Sprint Race podium meant to him personally after all the preparation leading into his debut season, Deligny was candid about the emotional weight of the achievement.
“Obviously, it means a lot. I’d be pretty disappointed to travel almost 24 hours and not get some points, so I’m pretty happy to go back home with some points and obviously podium is very nice. I would have also liked to win, but you know Bruno’s [del Pino] pretty quick and without the DRS it was hard to do anything, but it’s still P2 in my first race obviously it’s still a good result and my whole team is happy, so I’m quite happy as well.”
Teammates on and off the Track
Despite both drivers clearly harbouring winning ambitions, Deligny was open about the dynamic between himself and del Pino when asked whether his approach changes when battling a teammate.
“Obviously, every driver wants to win on track so you know I’m happy for him to win, but you know inside I kind of wanted to win as well. I’ll give it to him for this one but um off the track we’re really good friends. In the workshop in Amsterdam we work very hard, very well, very professionally too so I think we both push each other in the right way on and off track, get good results on track off track as well. We’re a good duo, and we keep pushing the team forward which is good.”
Eyes Already on the Championship
With half points awarded, Deligny finds himself second in the early championship standings. When asked how much he was already thinking about the title fight, he kept things measured but optimistic.
“As for the championship, I mean as far as I’m concerned, I’m second in the championship right now so if I could finish there and defend my position that would obviously be a good year but obviously still early days so still some work to do but definitely a good start and yeah, it’s been a good day.”
