Fionn McLaughlin produced an impressive recovery drive to finish P13 in the 2026 F3 Feature Race at Spa-Francorchamps.
The Hitech TGR driver started from P29 following a difficult first visit to the Belgian circuit. However, he combined careful tyre management with several decisive overtakes to climb 16 positions through the field.
McLaughlin eventually finished only 2.1 seconds outside the points. Although the Irishman left Belgium without adding to his championship total, his Sunday performance gave him confidence ahead of the next round in Budapest.
McLaughlin finds progress after difficult start at 2026 Spa-Francorchamps F3 Round
McLaughlin faced a steep learning curve throughout his first weekend at Spa-Francorchamps.
The rookie had to learn the circuit during a demanding F3 weekend, while his qualifying result left him at the back of the grid for Sunday’s Feature Race.
However, McLaughlin responded positively. He focused on improving throughout the weekend and used the Feature Race to demonstrate the progress he had made since his opening laps on Friday.
“I’m happy with that, a lot of good improvements from the beginning of the weekend,” he said to Formula 3. “It was a difficult start to the weekend just because I didn’t know the track.
“It was my first time here and it wasn’t easy to get used too. So after qualifying it obviously wasn’t great, but you have to learn and take the most away from it and that’s what I did. I just tried to save the tyre at the start of the race, and I did that well and ended up having strong pace and pushed through.
Tyre management opens the door for overtakes
McLaughlin protected his tyres during the opening phase rather than forcing immediate progress.
That approach allowed him to maintain stronger pace as the race developed. As several drivers began to struggle with tyre degradation, McLaughlin attacked and continued moving through the order.
The Irishman completed several overtakes around the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, including a move around the outside at Turn 12. He also used strong exits and the DRS zone after Eau Rouge to challenge his rivals along the Kemmel Straight.
“I had plenty of overtakes, around the outside at 12, there were a few down the straight which was easy with DRS after Eau Rouge, but I passed a few so I can’t really remember all of them, nothing special, just getting the job done.
“It’s tricky because everyone’s stuck so the only way you can make progress is if they start degging or falling off and that’s the chance you get to overtake. Or you can get very close if you get a good exit at T1, T14 or T19 onto the straights, that’s where you can make your overtakes, but other than that it’s quite difficult.”
Spa fightback provides confidence for McLaughlin despite missing 2026 F3 championship points
McLaughlin narrowly missed a championship point after completing his recovery in P13.
The Hitech driver crossed the line just 2.1 seconds behind the final points-paying position. Nevertheless, the result represented a significant improvement from his starting position and provided a positive conclusion to an otherwise challenging weekend.
McLaughlin has faced several unfamiliar circuits during his rookie Formula 3 campaign after stepping up from Formula 4. Therefore, he has focused on maximising each weekend and developing his knowledge as quickly as possible.
“It was a learning weekend, and I am satisfied with it in the end. I still want a lot more but it’s difficult. I don’t know a lot of circuits this year, and coming from F4 was difficult, so I’m just trying to take away the most I can.
Previous Budapest experience offers McLaughlin a foundation
Formula 3 now travels to Budapest for the next round of the championship.
Unlike Spa-Francorchamps, McLaughlin has already completed laps at the Hungaroring. However, he has not previously raced at the circuit and will once again need to adapt to the demands of a Formula 3 weekend.
The Irishman hopes his previous visit will help him start the weekend more competitively. He will also gain further track experience during the scheduled test in Madrid later in the season.
“I’ve been to Budapest once, so I need to see how I do there. I haven’t raced there before but hopefully at the next few tracks and with the test in Madrid, I’ll have some laps there and know the tracks some more.
A stronger Friday performance will prove crucial for McLaughlin in Hungary. After starting at the rear of the field in Belgium, an improved qualifying result would give him a better opportunity to return to the points.
Nakamura victory highlights Hitech’s continued progress
Hitech also enjoyed a major success during the Belgian GP weekend as Jin Nakamura claimed victory in Saturday’s Sprint Race.
Nakamura’s result demonstrated the team’s improving performance and added another encouraging moment to McLaughlin’s rookie campaign.
McLaughlin praised his teammate’s work and highlighted Hitech’s efforts to improve its car throughout the season. However, he also recognised the need to concentrate on his own development as he targets stronger results during the second half of the campaign.
“I think my teammate Jin is doing a good job. He’s obviously won this weekend, and he’s obviously racked up a good few points, and the team is doing a good job with the car making it quicker every weekend and that’s what we’re trying to improve. I have to keep working and focusing on myself.”
McLaughlin still wants more from his rookie season, but his Spa recovery demonstrated his ability to manage the tyres, identify overtaking opportunities and maintain competitive pace during a demanding Feature Race.
With previous experience of the Hungaroring and further testing ahead, the Hitech driver will aim to convert that progress into points during the coming rounds.
