Formula 3 heads to Jerez for the first of three post-season test sessions, giving teams and drivers a chance to prepare for the 2026 season. With the test scheduled to take place over the course of two days, October 7th and 8th, the Jerez post-season test will feature a morning 3-hour session each day from 09:00 to 12:00 local time. Following a two-hour break, the afternoon sessions will run from 14:00 to 17:00, while the second day’s afternoon session will begin an hour earlier, from 13:00 to 16:00.
A first look at the 2026 Formula 3 grid
In recent weeks, the 2026 Formula 3 grid has begun to take shape. Of the 17 returning drivers next season, most have chosen to switch teams for the next campaign. Amongst them, Trident’s Noah Strømsted returns to the grid as the highest finisher from this season, having finished his campaign sixth in the 2025 Drivers’ Standings. However, in Jerez, attention turns to 13 newcomers who will be stepping into Formula 3 machinery for the very first time.
While most teams have brought their confirmed 2026 lineups to the first post-season test, some—such as PREMA Racing and DAMS Lucas Oil—are yet to finalise their rosters. So far, PREMA have confirmed one seat so far which will be occupied by Enzo Deligny, and have brought returning drivers James Wharton and Louis Sharp for the test. While DAMS are yet to confirm all three seats at the team, they have retained Nicola Lacorte and welcomed Gerrard Xie for the test, alongside Thai driver Nandhavud Bhirombhakdi, who currently competes in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA).
Diverse range of nations represented at Jerez test
As cars hit the track today, a total of 18 nations will be represented in the test. With AIX Racing’s Yevan David set to make history as the first Sri Lankan driver to compete in Formula 3 next season, the 2026 grid is shaping up to be one that will showcase young talents from a wide range of countries and cultural backgrounds.
How to follow the action?
During last year’s post-season test in Jerez, it was Campos Racing’s Nikola Tsolov who went fastest with a 1:29.758. With a mix of fresh talents stepping up and familiar faces returning to the grid, the Jerez test will offer us a first glimpse into what the 2026 season could have in store for us. To catch all the on-track action at Jerez, fans will be able follow along via the live timing feature on the official Formula 3 website.
