Taito Kato enjoyed an impressive start to his F3 career as the ART Grand Prix rookie secured two points finishes and his first podium during the opening round at the 2026 Australian GP in Melbourne.
The Japanese driver finished fifth in Saturday’s shortened Sprint Race, collecting his first point in the series. He then built on that momentum in Sunday’s Feature Race, ultimately finishing third after penalties for other drivers reshaped the final classification.
Although the podium came in unusual circumstances, the result capped a highly encouraging debut weekend for both Kato and ART Grand Prix.
Podium result caps positive F3 debut for Kato at 2026 Australian GP
Reflecting on the result afterwards, Kato admitted to Formula 3 that the moment still felt slightly surreal. While he acknowledged that fortune played a part in the final outcome, he remained pleased with how his first F3 weekend unfolded.
“It’s unbelievable feeling. It’s kind of unreal feeling, to be honest. I still finished in P5 and then with a bit of luck, got up to P3. So, this is not exactly how I wanted my first podium to be.
“So, I think next target is get a podium myself. But I’m still quite happy with the result considering it was my first ever weekend in Formula 3, so to end it with the podium result after yesterday getting P5 and a point, it’s quite positive day.”
Despite finishing on the podium, Kato made it clear that he wants to achieve similar results purely on pace in future races.
ART Grand Prix showing clear improvement
The Melbourne weekend also highlighted a significant step forward for ART Grand Prix compared with their difficult start to the previous season. In 2025, the French team left the same circuit without scoring a single point and struggled throughout the opening round.
This year, however, the team demonstrated clear progress, with Kato fighting consistently near the front.
“I think team did a really good job with the car,” he said, adding “I think last year they were really struggling with here. I think they were P20 or something. But we got to the podium this time, so, I’m looking forward to next time.
“I’m feeling really good, to be honest. The car and the team is really good. I think the team did a really, really good job. This year we were fighting for the top five, which is quite a big step. I think the team did a really, really good job. I would like to say a massive thanks for the hard work of the team.”
The performance suggested that ART’s winter development work has already begun to pay off, giving the rookie a strong platform for the season ahead.
Confidence building after pre-season progress
Encouragingly for Kato, the team’s progress in Melbourne also built on the confidence gained during pre-season testing in Barcelona. According to the Japanese driver, the improvement between the winter tests and the first race weekend has been clear.
“From the Barcelona test, to here, it’s been really nice and I have quite good confidence for the future.”
That confidence was particularly evident in the close racing throughout the weekend, where Kato showed he could adapt quickly to Formula 3’s competitive midfield battles.
Kato already focused already on the top step after F3 debut at 2026 Australian GP
Even after celebrating a podium on debut, Kato has already set his sights firmly on winning races. While he proved capable of fighting in the pack during his first F3 weekend, his ambition lies in leading from the front rather than battling in traffic.
“I could adapt quite well in the battles. But I don’t like battles, I want to finish the race with a P1. I want to start pole position and finish all the races first.”
With two points finishes and a podium already secured, Kato’s debut weekend has provided both a confidence boost and a clear statement of intent. If ART Grand Prix can maintain their improved performance, the rookie may soon find himself fighting for victories rather than simply celebrating his first podium.
