As he prepares for his rookie campaign in the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship with DAMS Lucas Oil, Nandhavud Bhirombhakdi approaches F3 season clear on his goals and aware of his home nation’s support. Speaking during a pre-season media session attended by Pit Debrief, he outlined both his personal objectives and the wider significance of representing Thailand at a pivotal moment for the nation’s presence in international motorsport.
With DAMS Lucas Oil entering only its second season in the championship after a disappointing maiden campaign in 2025, questions inevitably arose about expectations. However, rather than placing emphasis on immediate headline results, Bhirombhakdi stressed the importance of building foundations, learning quickly and extracting consistent progress from every round.
Bhirombhakdi to take a step-by-step approach to demanding 2026 F3 rookie season with DAMS Lucas Oil
Transitioning into F3 brings fresh challenges, from adapting to new circuits to managing the intensity of tightly packed race weekends. For a rookie driver, each event represents both opportunity and examination. Bhirombhakdi recognises this reality and has shaped his targets accordingly.
Responding to a question about expectations for the year ahead, he explained: “I think for me, going into my rookie season, I think for me the objective is to improve step by step. I think that’s the most important thing to see progression, especially going to new circuits in Australia, in Bahrain and Monaco. And yeah, I think with the backing of the team and also my teammates being second years, I think I have that great support to also just achieve strong results.”
Rather than framing his rookie F3 campaign as a trial-and-error exercise, Bhirombhakdi places his progression at the centre of his 2026 ambitions with DAMS Lucas Oil. With the likes of Australia, Bahrain and Monaco offering new challenges and demanding rapid adaptation, precision and confidence, he views each weekend as part of a wider development curve which he notes is supported by strong support within his team.
Bhirombhakdi joins the ranks to drivers carrying Thai colours across three championships
Beyond individual growth, Bhirombhakdi also shoulders national pride. Thailand enters a historic period in single-seater racing, with representation across Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3 simultaneously. In Formula 1, Alex Albon continues to compete at the pinnacle of the sport. Meanwhile, Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak steps up to Formula 2. Together with Bhirombhakdi’s presence in Formula 3, Thailand marks a milestone moment in its motorsport history.
When asked by Pit Debrief about his feelings on being part of this new generation of Thai drivers, Bhirombhakdi did not hide his emotion or sense of responsibility. He acknowledged the rapid growth of motorsport’s popularity in recent years. As interest continues to grow across Southeast Asia, he understands that his performances carry influence and significance well beyond the paddock.
“Yeah, I’m very proud. It’s the first time in Thai history that we have all Thai drivers in both F1, F2, F3. And I think especially how popular F1 has been in Thailand lately, through Drive to Survive, but also through Alex Albon and Tasanapol. I think I feel proud that I could reach this stage and hopefully I can make my country proud.”
Balancing development with responsibility
As the season approaches, Bhirombhakdi balances ambition with perspective. He focuses on incremental gains, technical understanding and consistent execution. At the same time, he embraces the opportunity to represent his country during a landmark year for Thai motorsport.
By combining structured development with national pride, he sets a clear tone for his rookie campaign. Step by step, race by race, he aims not only to strengthen his own performance but also to contribute to Thailand’s growing footprint on the global single-seater stage.
