Despite entering his second FIA Formula 3 campaign, Matias Zagazeta continues to adapt to the demands of the category. At mid-season, Zagazeta sits P21 in the 2025 F3 championship with just six points.
Positives…
The young Peruvian has switched teams from Jenzer Motorsport to DAMS Lucas Oil following a mixed debut season. He had claimed his maiden podium at the Silverstone sprint race in 2024, a career highlight that, unfortunately, remained his sole points finish of that year.
The 2025 season appears to be following a similar trajectory, despite a change in team and preparation.
Zagazeta opened his campaign with an impressive fifth-place finish in the Melbourne Sprint Race. Starting from the front row, he fought for a podium during the early stages. However, tyre degradation affected his pace in the closing laps, and he ultimately secured a top-five result. It remains his only points finish so far this season.
… and negatives
Since Melbourne, he has struggled to replicate that form. While he avoided major incidents during the crash-heavy Monaco weekend, he was involved in a collision during the Imola Feature Race. He also became entangled in a four-car accident on Lap 2 in Bahrain.
Zagazeta has demonstrated strong one-lap pace in qualifying, often positioning himself well on the grid. However, his racecraft remains inconsistent. He tends to make impulsive decisions and attempts overly ambitious moves, which frequently result in compromised finishes.
Despite these issues, Zagazeta remains the leading DAMS driver in the standings. He currently holds 21st place, two points ahead of Ho and further clear of Lacorte. Although this is not the return to Formula 3 that DAMS had anticipated, the season still offers opportunities for improvement.
Zagazeta, now the most experienced driver in the team, has displayed flashes of talent. As he settles into a leadership role, he can provide guidance to his rookie teammates and help push DAMS beyond their current ninth place in the constructors’ standings.
Individual success may still lie ahead for the Peruvian, particularly at circuits where he has previously excelled, such as Silverstone.
