Aurelia Nobels will aim to convert her encouraging speed into stronger results when the 2026 GB3 Championship visits the Hungaroring for its third round.
The Hillspeed driver has completed two race weekends since stepping up from F1 Academy and F4-level competition. Although the results have not reflected her expectations, Nobels has challenged the midfield in Qualifying and consistently gained positions during the races.
Nobels determined to overcome difficult start to 2026 GB3 season
Nobels has maintained confidence in her potential despite a challenging beginning to her GB3 campaign. She believes that further simulator work and closer collaboration with Hillspeed can help her unlock stronger performances.
“We haven’t had the results we were expecting, it’s been a struggle,” she admitted to GB3. “We’re going to keep working with the team, get back in the sim and come back stronger for the next round.
“I know I have the potential to be up there. I know I have the speed, we just need to maximise everything and find the right set up.”
Therefore, Nobels will continue to focus on extracting the maximum from both the car and each race weekend. A more comfortable setup could also help her translate her underlying speed into improved Qualifying and race results.
Qualifying pace offers encouragement
Nobels has already shown signs of progress over a single lap. At Spa-Francorchamps, she finished only a quarter of a second away from securing a position inside the top half of the grid.
That margin demonstrated the competitiveness of the GB3 midfield and highlighted the potential gains available through small improvements. Consequently, Nobels and Hillspeed will place particular emphasis on refining the setup and maximising every lap in Qualifying.
Stronger starting positions would also reduce the amount of ground she needs to recover during the races.
Aggressive racecraft helps Nobels move forward
Although Qualifying has presented challenges, Nobels has consistently made progress once the racing begins. She gained a combined 13 positions across the five contests at Silverstone and Spa, while her 14th-place finish in Spa’s opening race remains her best result so far.
“When I get the opportunity, I always try and send it! I think I’m really aggressive in the races when I can, and I always try to take advantage. I’ve had a lot of fun in the races this year already.”
Her willingness to attack has helped her capitalise on opportunities in the midfield. Moreover, that approach has allowed her to gain valuable experience while adapting to the increased performance and complexity of the GB3 car.
GB3 step demands continued adaptation
Nobels entered GB3 after spending two seasons in F1 Academy, where she secured her maiden podium during the 2025 finale in Las Vegas. However, GB3 machinery presents a considerable increase in speed, aerodynamic performance and technical demands.
As a result, every session provides another opportunity for the 19-year-old to develop her understanding of the car. She must also adapt to new circuits while competing against drivers with greater experience in faster single-seater categories.
Nevertheless, her consistency and ability to gain positions have provided a solid platform for further progress.
Hungaroring presents Nobels a fresh challenge for 2026 GB3 campaign
The Hungaroring will offer Nobels another opportunity to move forward. However, she has never previously raced at the technical Budapest circuit, which places additional importance on Thursday’s testing sessions.
“I’ve never been there, so testing on the Thursday will be very important to get the feedback and get a feeling of the track. I’m confident I’ll be able to reset from Spa and come back stronger.”
Nobels will need to learn the circuit quickly and provide clear feedback as Hillspeed searches for the right setup. Furthermore, the Hungaroring’s emphasis on rhythm and track position will make a strong Qualifying performance especially important.
After demonstrating speed, consistency and aggressive racecraft during her opening rounds, Nobels will now aim to combine those qualities and take another step forward in Budapest.
