The 2025 F3 Feature Race at the Austrian GP took a dramatic turn after the chequered flag. Following investigations, initiated after post-race checks by the Technical Director, the FIA Stewards disqualified Campos Racing’s Nikola Tsolov and ART Grand Prix’s Laurens van Hoepen for distinct technical breaches.
Plank infringement ends Tsolov’s on‑track triumph
Initally, Nikola Tsolov had controlled the 26‑lap contest from pole and crossed the line first. Nevertheless, post‑race scrutineering revealed that the rear plank on Car 12 failed to satisfy Article 3.2.2 of the 2025 FIA F3 Technical Regulations.
Specifically, the Technical Delegate measured the plank at a maximum of 3.7 mm in one of the designated holes, falling short of the 4.0 mm minimum permitted after wear. When summoned by the Stewards, the Campos Racing representative argued that normal curb impacts had accelerated plank abrasion and that pre‑race measurements had complied. The panel rejected this defence, stressing that teams must anticipate wear and configure cars accordingly.
Consequently, the Stewards disqualified Car 12 from the Feature Race, expunged all lap times, and advanced every competitor who originally trailed Tsolov.
Tyre‑pressure violation removes Van Hoepen from points
Meanwhile, Laurens van Hoepen faced an entirely different infringement. During parc fermé checks, three tyres on Car 7 failed to reach the 13.0 PSI minimum stipulated in the Pirelli Technical Preview, breaching Article 10.4.3. Specifically, the FIA recorded 12.80 PSI in the front left, 12.36 PSI in the rear left, and under 12.70 PSI in the rear right.
Following the investigation, the ART Grand Prix representative accepted these findings, attributing the lapse to human error. Therefore, the Stewards applied the mandatory penalty: outright disqualification, cancellation of all lap times, and promotion of every car originally behind Car 7.
Updated classification
With both exclusions confirmed, Martinius Stenshorne inherited the victory. Subsequently, Tim Tramnitz rose to second, and Mari Boya completed the podium. In addition, Rafael Câmara advanced into the top five and, thus, preserved his championship lead, while several midfield contenders collected unexpected points.
Ultimately, the revised top ten read:
- Stenshorne
- Tramnitz
- Boya
- Ugochukwu
- Câmara
- Wurz
- Strømsted
- Voisin
- Benavides
- Naël
