Campos Racing’s Ugo Ugochukwu strengthened his FIA Formula 3 (F3) championship lead with a commanding victory in Saturday’s Sprint Race at Silverstone, controlling the race from lights to flag before taking the chequered flag more than 17 seconds clear of the field.
After managing his tyres in the opening laps, the American built a comfortable advantage once those behind began battling, securing his second victory of the 2026 season. Speaking after the race in the F3 Silverstone post Sprint Press Conference with Pit Debrief in attendance, Ugochukwu reflected on his dominant drive, Campos Racing’s pace and why he is confident of charging through the field again in Sunday’s Feature Race.
Reflecting on his performance, Ugochukwu described the race as one of his strongest drives, explaining how tyre management in the early stages allowed him to maintain his pace throughout the race.
“Yeah, definitely it was a really strong race for us. The first part of the race was about managing the pace, managing the tyres and then I think when the others started to drop off, my pace stayed really consistent and every lap I was feeling super good out there, just kind of feeling in the zone.
“So, really good, it was good to score some points today but more than that, the pace was really strong which fills us with a lot of confidence going into tomorrow, obviously starting just outside the points to kind of come through and recover the not ideal Qualifying.”
A difficult start to Friday at Silverstone
Although Friday had been more difficult, Ugochukwu revealed the Campos Racing package felt transformed on Saturday in the F3 Silverstone Sprint, giving him confidence that another recovery drive is possible in the Feature Race.
“Hard to say. Overall yesterday both in FP and Qualifying I wasn’t feeling super comfortable, struggling a little bit overall, but today I felt much better and that showed as well on the pace side of things.
“Like I said, I think that kind of gives us the peace of mind for tomorrow that we have strong pace and hopefully can come through the field well, just like Théo did today, and score some big points.”
Starting from 12th on the grid on Sunday, Ugochukwu believes his teammate’s charge from 11th to third in the Sprint has already proved what is possible.
“Yeah, definitely. I think Théo made sure that that was possible today, finishing up here on the podium from P11.
“I’m going to try my best starting P12. The main thing is going to be trying to score a lot of points, if we can get anything more than that, that would just be a bonus.”
His commanding lights to flag victory in the Silverstone Sprint
Despite eventually enjoying a comfortable margin at the front, Ugochukwu explained he still had plenty to think about behind the wheel, particularly in the opening laps when Yevan David remained within DRS range.
“At the beginning of the race, Yevan [David] was quite a bit closer. He was just about in my DRS, so I was trying to manage that as best as possible. The gap increased and obviously made my race a lot easier, but I still had to focus, make sure I wasn’t using too much of my tyres, just in case someone came strong at the end.
“My engineer was updating me about the gaps behind, and I could see on the TV quite a bit of action. After a certain point, I knew I just had to bring it home. But I think that came from the good strategy at the start of the race, which allowed us to be a bit less under pressure towards the end.”
Eyes on points in the Feature Race
Although much of the action happened behind him, Ugochukwu admitted he was pleased to see so much overtaking, believing it could work in his favour when he starts deeper in the pack on Sunday.
“Yeah, for myself, I think it was a little bit less going on. So not really much happened for me. But it’s really good that there was a lot of action and a lot of overtaking today because that would be good for me tomorrow, starting just outside the points.
“It would be nice to have a little bit of the same and be able to hopefully come through and score some good points.”
With the championship entering its second half, Ugochukwu insisted his approach remains unchanged for the Feature Race, despite extending his lead.
“My approach for tomorrow wouldn’t really change from normally. Obviously, I’ll try to make some positions. Hopefully the pace is as strong as today because I felt today I was really in the zone out there, really feeling good with the car.
“Of course, I’ll try not to take too many risks, trying not to do anything crazy. But for sure, we’ll try to get up the order and limit the damage to the guys starting at the front.”
Campos Racing’s strong form all weekend
Campos Racing were also very strong at Silverstone last year, with Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak and Mari Boya winning last year’s Sprint and Feature Races respectively.
That strong form has carried into this season, with the Spanish outfit once again proving to be one of the quickest teams around the Silverstone Circuit.
Asked by Pit Debrief about Campos Racing’s impressive form throughout the weekend, Ugochukwu said both he and teammate Théophile Naël head into the Feature Race full of confidence after demonstrating outstanding race pace.
“Yeah, for myself as well, pretty much the same. Confidence is really high, of course. After showing good pace today, feeling good with tyre management, I think I was able to do my fastest lap right at the end of the race.
“So again, that fills us with confidence for tomorrow, looking to the drive that Théo did today to come through the field and hopefully be able to replicate that a little bit.”
The American also welcomed the competitiveness of this year’s Formula 3 field, while making it clear that he hopes to add to his tally as the season continues.
“Of course. I think it’s really good that overall the grid is super competitive, super close. Especially now that we’ve started this European part of the season, the results are always getting closer and closer.
“In Qualifying it isn’t easy because just a few tenths can really put you out of position. But from our side, we’re going to try to limit that statistic going up as much as possible and try to win more races until the end of the year.”
A memorable race for the American
Victory also carried extra significance for Ugochukwu, with the F3 Silverstone Sprint Race taking place on the United States’ Independence Day.
“Yeah, of course. I think that’s super cool, especially for myself. To be on the top step with my flag above me is always super special.
“That’s always my goal coming into the weekend, to put the U.S. flag on top. It makes me really proud and really happy.”
As the only repeat winner in Formula 3 this season, having won the Melbourne Feature Race and now the Silverstone Sprint, Ugochukwu acknowledged the importance of consistency as he continues to lead the championship.
“Of course. That’s crucial, to be always fighting at the front, fighting for victories. I feel like my Qualifying performances have been pretty consistent throughout the season until this round. After yesterday, I knew I needed to improve for the races and try to make a little step, which I think we’ve done.
“Today I scored a lot of points, getting the fastest lap too. My goal tomorrow is to go up in the points and keep consistently getting big points in the Feature Race like I’ve done in the previous rounds.”
Ugochukwu’s favourite moment from the Sprint Race
When asked by Pit Debrief what his standout moment from the Sprint was, Ugochukwu admitted there wasn’t one standout moment, instead enjoying the feeling of being completely comfortable with the car throughout the afternoon.
“I would say a little bit the whole race. When you’re feeling in a good zone, in a good window, every lap becomes super enjoyable.
“But I’d say probably overall, crossing the line and getting the job done is definitely the best feeling. Just kind of relief, of course, happy, and then you can focus on the next job, which is tomorrow’s race.”
Ugochukwu will line up in P12 for Sunday’s Feature Race. With his Sprint Race victory, he now extends his lead in the FIA Formula 3 Drivers Standings to 89 points, 23 ahead of Freddie Slater in P2.
