Pedro Clerot has enjoyed a promising rookie 2026 FIA Formula 3 (F3) campaign, with the Rodin Motorsport driver consistently proving he can challenge at the front of the field.
Three podium finishes have highlighted the Brazilian’s first season in the championship, and while he believes there is still room to improve, Clerot is pleased with the progress he and the team have made together.
“We can be satisfied with what we’ve done,” Clerot said. “It’s been a little bit on the inconsistent side, but I think as a rookie and with Rodin, we’ve built a good relationship so far and we’ve been doing a good job, especially the last few rounds.
“I’m happy and enjoying my racing and I think it’s been a decent rookie season so far. As drivers we aim to be fighting for the championship, even though you are a rookie.
“But being close to Brando, a second-year driver, and scoring some decent points are results that we can be proud of. I think we could be a bit further up, but still we’ve been doing a decent job.”
Consistent podium finishes
Having stepped onto the podium in Monte Carlo, Spielberg and Spa-Francorchamps, Clerot believes his maiden 2026 F3 victory is not far away.
The rookie has regularly shown the pace to compete with more experienced drivers throughout the season, and he is confident that continuing to maximise each weekend will eventually deliver that breakthrough result.
“We’re fighting guys like Ernesto and some good second-year guys as well. To be fighting with the top teams and the top drivers even though I’m a rookie proves we can be up there.
“I think the win is a matter of time, honestly. It hasn’t come yet, but it’s a matter of time. I’ve been working a lot lately, especially the last few weeks to try to make it happen.
“If we just put our head down, work hard, we can achieve some good results. I’m just focused on doing my job, trying to maximise every little bit and I think in doing that the win is a matter of time. Things will come together and I’m sure it will happen soon.”
Qualifying being one of Clerot’s biggest challenges in 2026
While his race pace has often allowed him to fight at the front, Clerot admits qualifying has been one of the biggest challenges of his 2026 F3 rookie campaign. However, he believes a string of unfortunate setbacks has also played a significant role in limiting his Friday results.
“I wouldn’t even say it’s a one-lap issue. I think we’ve been very unlucky. We had the brake issue in Melbourne, which completely ruined our Qualifying and we had a really strong Free Practice, being P7. I think we had for sure the pace to be inside the top 12.
“Monaco, we had a good Qualifying, nothing to say there, but then heading into Barcelona we had a couple of issues also that were out of mine and the team’s control. Red Bull Ring, we qualified top 10 and we had a very good weekend, but then in Silverstone we had our lap completely ruined before it even started. I had a moment before the third set which compromised the whole qualifying.
“So I think generally we’ve been a bit unlucky, but in the end we still have to do the job. There were a couple of things I could have done better that could possibly have put us in a better position, but I think for sure we’ve been improving every weekend.
“That’s the main thing as a rookie – trying to learn and understand what we can do to improve and then be up there. I think qualifying is an area that we can improve, but I think it’s coming towards us lately.”
Looking ahead to the final two rounds
With the final two rounds at Monza and Madrid still to come, Clerot is optimistic about ending his rookie season on a high. He believes Rodin Motorsport has a package capable of fighting near the front, while the pre-event test in Madrid should provide valuable preparation ahead of the season finale.
“The team actually had a good round in Monza last year with Roman taking the win on the sprint. I think Monza is always a bit of a lottery. It’s always a bit of a tricky track, but I think we should be okay.
“The team has been doing a good job this year with the car. Also, Madrid being a new track, but a street track normally suits us quite well. I think Monaco is a good example of that, but generally I’m just excited.
“We have the test in Madrid before, so that will be very useful to get back driving after the summer break and get a good feeling again. Hopefully, we have two good weekends, score good points in Madrid, because that’s going to be worth a bit more and finish the championship on a good note.
“Obviously, the aim and the target is always to be fighting in the top five. That’s my goal, but I’m just focused on doing my job race by race and it should come together.”
