Théophile Naël produced a commanding display in Barcelona to secure his first F3 victory and strengthen his position in the 2026 Championship fight.
The Campos Racing driver started Sunday’s Feature Race from pole position and led every lap on his way to a dominant lights-to-flag triumph. Although pressure from behind kept him alert, Naël managed his tyres carefully and maintained enough pace to control the race until the chequered flag.
Furthermore, the result carried extra significance for Campos Racing. Naël delivered the victory at the team’s home event, while his teammate completed the podium in third place to secure an impressive 1-3 finish.
Naël celebrates a long-awaited breakthrough with F3 Feature Race win in Barcelona
Naël had already shown his qualifying speed with three pole positions during the season. However, he finally converted that pace into victory in Barcelona. After completing the breakthrough result, the Frenchman, while speaking to Formula 3, reflected on the significance of reaching the top step in F3.
“It’s obviously a very special feeling. Getting my first win in F3 is something I’ve worked towards for a long time. I’m really happy, but also very grateful to the team for all the hard work they’ve put in. It’s an important milestone, but there’s still a long season ahead.
“It means a lot. To deliver a result like this at the team’s home race is very special. Everyone at the factory and at the track works incredibly hard, so it’s great to reward them with a 1-3 finish. I’m proud to have contributed to such a strong result for the team.”
While the victory represented a major personal achievement, Naël also highlighted the contribution of everyone at Campos Racing. As a result, the home success rewarded the team’s work both at the circuit and behind the scenes.
Tyre management helps Naël control the race
Despite leading from start to finish, Naël could not afford to relax. He needed to protect his tyres while also maintaining a strong enough pace to prevent Yamakoshi from closing in. Consequently, he remained focused on his targets and avoided unnecessary mistakes throughout the race.
“It was definitely challenging. I had to manage the tyres carefully while still maintaining a strong pace. Having Yamakoshi behind meant there was no room to relax, so I stayed focused on hitting my targets, looking after the tyres, and keeping everything under control until the finish.”
Naël’s disciplined approach allowed him to dictate the race without placing excessive strain on his tyres. Moreover, his consistency denied Yamakoshi a realistic opportunity to challenge for the lead.
Barcelona win boosts Naël’s 2026 F3 Championship challenge
The Barcelona victory moved Naël firmly into the championship conversation. His three pole positions had already underlined his raw speed, but the Feature Race win proved that he could also control a demanding contest from the front.
Nevertheless, Naël refused to become distracted by the standings. Instead, he emphasised the importance of continued progress and consistent points finishes.
“It’s nice to be in a strong position, but the season is still very long. I’m not focusing too much on the championship standings at the moment. The goal is to keep working hard, scoring points consistently, and maximising every opportunity. If we do that, we’ll be in a good place later in the season.”
That measured approach could help Naël sustain his challenge as the campaign continues. Although Barcelona raised expectations, he remains focused on maximising each opportunity rather than looking too far ahead.
Naël looks ahead to Spielberg
After celebrating his first F3 victory, Naël quickly turned his attention to the next round in Spielberg. The Austrian circuit features several high-speed sections and often creates opportunities for close racing. Therefore, Naël hopes to carry the confidence and momentum from Barcelona into the next event.
“I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a track I enjoy a lot, with some great high-speed sections and plenty of opportunities for racing. We’ll keep working hard, carry this momentum into the next round, and hopefully come away with another strong result.”
Barcelona marked a major step in Naël’s F3 career. However, with much of the season still to come, the Campos Racing driver has already shifted his attention towards building on his breakthrough victory in Spielberg.
