Pedro Clerot left Monte Carlo with his first FIA Formula 3 podium and a valuable points haul after a breakthrough weekend for Rodin Motorsport. Clerot was promoted to third following Saturday’s F3 Sprint Race at the 2026 Monaco GP, securing his maiden podium in the category. He then added further points on Sunday, leaving Monaco with 12 points across the weekend.
Although Clerot felt he could have achieved more in qualifying, he still regarded his first visit to the Principality as a major step forward. Moreover, with Monaco marking his first experience of racing on a street circuit, the result carried even greater significance.
Clerot reflects on a milestone 2026 F3 weekend in Monaco
Clerot’s Monaco weekend delivered both frustration and reward. On one hand, he believed qualifying could have produced a stronger starting position. On the other, he still converted the event into his most successful F3 round so far.
For a rookie arriving at Monaco without previous street-circuit experience, that balance mattered. The Principality leaves little room for gradual adaptation, especially in a Formula 3 field where track position and confidence play such a decisive role.
As a result, Clerot felt satisfied with the way he and Rodin Motorsport handled the challenge.
“Yeah, I’m quite happy,” he said to Formula 3. “I’m quite happy, honestly, considering it’s my first ever experience on a street track and it being Monaco on an F1 weekend makes everything always a little bit harder and always a bit more expectation.”
Rodin’s Monaco pace gave Clerot confidence
Clerot did not arrive in Monte Carlo expecting an easy weekend. However, he knew Rodin had reason to feel optimistic before track action began.
The team had shown strength at Monaco in the previous season, while its 2026 form had already produced encouraging moments. Therefore, Clerot believed the pace was available if he and the team could execute cleanly.
That made the weekend especially important. Monaco rewards preparation, confidence, and precision, but it can also punish small mistakes more severely than most circuits on the calendar.
“Coming into the weekend, I know we had good potential. The team had good results here last year and this year we also had some good ones already.”
Qualifying frustration limits the bigger picture
Despite the eventual podium, Clerot felt Friday left something on the table. Qualifying remains crucial at Monaco because overtaking opportunities are extremely limited around the narrow street circuit.
Traffic on his final lap prevented him from maximising the session. In Clerot’s view, that cost him a chance to fight much higher in his qualifying group and, consequently, for stronger starting positions.
Nevertheless, he still turned a difficult situation into a productive weekend. By the end of the round, the Brazilian had secured both a podium and a double-digit points return.
“I was a bit disappointed on Friday because I couldn’t really maximise my qualifying. I had traffic in my last lap, which I think cost us a good top three in the group and then you’re fighting for top positions. But generally, still a good weekend, coming away with 12 points and a podium.”
Monaco debut exceeds expectations
Clerot’s first experience of Monaco also brought a major personal boost. While many drivers on the FIA F3 grid had already gained street-circuit experience at venues such as Macau or had previously raced in Monte Carlo, Clerot arrived without that background.
That naturally raised the difficulty level. Monaco demands commitment from the first laps, while the barriers leave almost no margin for error. However, Clerot adapted more quickly than he expected.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the occasion, he enjoyed the challenge and found rhythm early in the weekend.
“Very cool. Very, very cool. I didn’t know what to expect coming in. Obviously, I didn’t have any prior experience with street tracks and most people on the grid did Macau and were already here. So, I thought it was going to be a lot harder, but I generally enjoyed it a lot.”
Preparation helps Clerot settle from lap one in Monaco
That confidence did not come by chance. Clerot credited Rodin Motorsport for its preparation before the weekend, highlighting how the team helped him arrive in Monaco feeling ready.
For a driver tackling the Principality for the first time, simulation work, engineering support, and clear preparation can make a major difference. In Clerot’s case, that support allowed him to feel comfortable almost immediately.
That early comfort proved vital, particularly because Monaco gives drivers very little time to build confidence progressively. Instead, they must trust the car, the braking points, and the walls around them from the outset.
“I felt really comfortable since lap one, which was the main thing. The team did a mega job also with the prep. Coming into the weekend, they made me feel like I had loads of experience already.”
Rodin gains momentum at an important stage of the 2026 F3 Championship
Clerot also looked beyond his own result. The Brazilian pointed to the wider performance of Rodin Motorsport, including Brando Badoer’s strong weekend, as evidence that the team has made an important step.
That collective progress arrived at the right time. With the FIA F3 season moving into its next phase, momentum can play a major role in shaping confidence across the garage.
Therefore, Clerot saw Monaco as more than a personal breakthrough. He also viewed it as a sign that Rodin had started moving in the right direction.
“So, yeah, just happy for the team. Brando did a very good job today and this whole weekend. So, I’m just happy that the team is moving in the right direction and we needed this result coming into this next part of the season.”
Barcelona becomes the next target for Clerot in 2026 F3 Championship after strong round in Monaco
After leaving Monaco with his first F3 podium, Clerot now turns his attention to Barcelona. The Spanish circuit will provide a very different challenge from Monte Carlo, with more conventional corners, greater emphasis on car balance, and a different rhythm across the weekend.
However, Clerot believes the Monaco result gives him and Rodin something important to carry forward. In a competitive championship, strong weekends can quickly build belief, especially when they arrive after difficult qualifying circumstances.
For that reason, he wants the team to convert its Monaco momentum into another positive showing.
“Obviously, we need momentum in this championship and that’s what we have at the moment. So, looking forward for Barcelona, to be fair, it’s kind of a weak spot for the team, but generally, I’ve always had really good results there.”
Mixed feelings, but growing confidence
Clerot admitted Barcelona brings a slightly mixed feeling. While he has personally enjoyed strong results there in the past, he also described the circuit as a weaker venue for the team.
Even so, his confidence remains high. Rodin’s recent progress has strengthened his belief that the team can find a competitive package and continue scoring well.
That optimism reflects the tone of his Monaco reflections. Clerot recognised the difficulties, but he also placed clear emphasis on the direction of travel.
“So, I have a bit of a mixed feeling, but generally, I think we should be okay. The team has been working very, very well. For sure, we’re going to find a good package and deliver some good results.”
Clerot focused on sustaining the run
The Monaco podium has given Clerot a foundation to build on, but the Brazilian knows one strong weekend is not enough in the 2026 F3 Championship. With the championship entering a crucial run of rounds, consistency will matter just as much as outright pace.
Therefore, the next objective is clear. Clerot wants to maintain the momentum, keep working with Rodin, and turn the team’s recent progress into sustained results.
After his breakthrough in Monte Carlo, he heads to Barcelona with greater confidence and a stronger platform.
“Going into this next part of the season, it’s really important that we keep the momentum up. So, considering everything that happened and how we’re working, I’m quite confident.”
