Having joined Rodin Motorsport for the 2026 FIA Formula 3 season after a disappointing maiden F3 campaign in 2025, Brando Badoer has spent his winter break focused on comprehensive preparation as he aims to convert experience into performance in his sophomore season. With pre-season testing looming in Barcelona, Badoer outlined the work he has undertaken and the mindset he plans to carry into a pivotal year of his junior career.
Winter training and mental sharpness
After a lengthy break from racing action, Badoer welcomed the chance to return to a more intense routine. He used the winter months to focus on physical conditioning, mental training and extensive simulator work, while also enjoying time away from the pressures of competition.
“I’m really excited to finally be close to Barcelona after a long break. I’ve trained pretty hard in the winter, all year, as a physical and mental, and also did a lot of sims. Go karting training, had fun, spent time with my family.”
Alongside structured training, karting and simulator sessions allowed Badoer to maintain rhythm and reaction speed. He believes this balance has been essential in keeping him sharp ahead of his return to the F3 car.
“It’s definitely very useful to stay in terms of mentality right now to keep the reflexes active, to stay sharp mentally – the simulator is helpful as well. Now I’m really looking forward to drive the car again in Barcelona and make the 2026 season one to remember.”
Badoer on preparing for crucial 2026 F3 pre-season testing with Rodin Motorsport
As the focus shifts fully to Barcelona, Badoer emphasised the importance of arriving completely ready. With limited testing opportunities in F3, he knows that preparation away from the circuit will play a decisive role.
“Right now, I’m going to the factory to prep procedures with the team. I need to be 100% ready from the first laps in Barcelona.”
The preparation process involves close collaboration with Rodin Motorsport’s engineers and mechanics. Badoer highlighted the collective effort required to ensure the team starts the season on strong footing.
“We’re working well with the team, so I’m looking forward to keeping on working, developing our setup, so it will be a very important three days for everyone – drivers, mechanics, engineers and all the staff that works at the factory to arrive in Melbourne 100% ready to accomplish our goals.”
Second-year confidence and fresh motivation
After a challenging rookie season, Badoer now enters 2026 with greater confidence and familiarity. He sees his sophomore campaign as an opportunity to reset and demonstrate his true level.
“Last year was a tough one. I wasn’t able to express my full potential. And so I’m really looking forward to doing it this year. It’s definitely an advantage to be a second-year driver. I know the car better, I know the tracks better. So I’m looking forward to fighting at the top.”
While acknowledging that not everything went to plan previously, Badoer remains focused on the lessons he gained. He believes those experiences will prove valuable as he looks to translate pace into results more consistently.
“That situation was not always in my control. But at the end of the day, I learned a lot last year and it’s definitely a valuable experience for the future. Last year, when the car improved, the performances improved as well.”
With clearer direction and renewed confidence, Badoer now aims to unlock the performance he feels has yet to be fully reflected in his results.
“We started fighting more at the front, scored some decent results for sure, but I think the potential was even better than the results. So that’s what I’m mostly looking forward to: expressing the potential fully and translating that into results.”
