After an off season to remember, Théophile Naël is heading into the 2026 F3 season with his sights firmly set on a milestone: his first series victory. The French driver had a remarkable off-season, with a sensational win at the Macau Grand Prix, a race widely regarded as one of the toughest tests for young drivers among the junior categories.
Speaking during a press conference attended by Pit Debrief, the Frenchman highlighted the work he has been doing with his new team, Campos Racing, to ensure he starts the season well prepared.
Pre-season preparations
When asked by Pit Debrief on his 2026 F3 pre-season preparation and past campaigns learnings, Naël highlighted the importance of growth and teamwork at Campos Racing, having made the move to the new team this year.
“Well for me, obviously the team is new, so we worked really hard during the winter break, so I think, yeah, I’m looking really forward to the start of the season.” he said.
He added that pre-season testing was crucial for fine-tuning both car and strategy. Working closely with his engineer, he’s focused on starting the season in top form.
“We test[ed] plenty of things during the pre-season testing. So, yeah, we have to look at everything. But, yeah, on my side, I’m getting ready with the team and working a lot with the team, with my engineer, to start the season well and well prepared.”
Eyes set on his first F3 victory
In 2025, Naël made a strong impression in his rookie season in F3, racing for Van Amersfoort Racing. After stepping up from Formula Regional, he showed flashes of brilliance against a highly competitive field.
Naël kicked off the season in style, qualifying third and finishing on the podium in a wet Feature Race in Melbourne. However, a mid-season slump saw him drop down the standings, testing his resilience and adaptability. He regained momentum in Barcelona, scoring points in both the Sprint and Feature Races, and later claimed a second-place finish in the Feature Race at Silverstone, showcasing his ability to execute strong race strategy when it mattered most.
By the end of his rookie campaign, Naël finished eighth in the Drivers’ Standings with 72 points, a solid foundation to build upon. With the experience gained from his first season and a Macau Grand Prix victory in the off-season, he now has his sights set higher for 2026.
“Well, for me, it’s to claim my first victory in FIA Formula 3. And, obviously, why not the championship at the end of the season? He followed, “[I’m] trying to put everything together to achieve that.”
