Fernando Barrichello arrived at Monza for his 2025 F3 debut with AIX Racing with much to prove. The Brazilian teenager, the youngest son of Rubens Barrichello, stepped up from Euroformula Open into one of the most competitive junior categories in world motorsport. His weekend results ultimately offered little to celebrate on paper. However, they provided some early, tentative signs that he may possess the resilience required to grow into this new challenge. With only a single round under his belt, Barrichello ends the 2025 F3 Championship 35th in Drivers’ Standings, ahead of teammate Nicola Marinangeli, and José Garfias who piloted the #26 AIX Racing car in Barcelona.
Struggles in Qualifying
In Qualifying, Barrichello struggled for outright pace. He finished last in his group and lined up twenty-ninth overall, while his teammate Brad Benavides secured pole position. This stark contrast underlined the steep learning curve he faces. Nevertheless, placing a rookie’s debut into context is important. Monza is an unforgiving circuit, where margins are slim and the field is fiercely experienced. Barrichello’s placement therefore reflects more a lack of familiarity than a lack of talent.
Composure in the Sprint but harsh lessons in the Feature
During the Sprint Race, Barrichello worked his way up to 20th after starting from the back row of the grid. However, he was ultimately promoted to 17th after the Stewards handed down penalties to several competitors. Although his raw pace remained modest, his ability to keep the car running cleanly in a race riddled with collisions and steward interventions was commendable. Consequently, this demonstrates a degree of composure that could form a foundation for future progress.
The Feature Race, however, highlighted both his inexperience and the brutality of the step up. Barrichello was caught out early, spinning into the gravel and triggering the second safety car. His retirement served as a reminder that F3 punishes lapses instantly. At the same time, few drivers manage flawless debuts under such intense circumstances. Importantly, Barrichello accepted responsibility and expressed gratitude for the opportunity, showing maturity beyond the immediate disappointment.
Looking ahead to 2026
Taken as a whole, Barrichello’s Monza weekend revealed little about his ultimate potential but offered glimpses of promise. His performances were far from the level of his more seasoned rivals, including future teammate Yevan David. Yet his ability to keep calm during the Sprint and his willingness to learn from setbacks suggest that development is possible.
Barrichello has much to prove before he can be considered competitive at this level. Nevertheless, his Monza debut should be seen not as a failure but as the first cautious step in a much longer journey. He now has the platform to adapt, improve, and demonstrate whether he can emerge as more than just the son of a famous name.
