Maciej Gładysz enters his rookie FIA F3 season intent on translating winter preparation into consistent early performances as he steps up with ART Grand Prix in 2026. After progressing steadily through the junior single-seater ladder, the Polish driver now faces the most competitive environment of his career. Nevertheless, he approaches the challenge with composure, placing greater emphasis on process and development than on immediate results.
Throughout the winter, he focused on refining both the physical and technical elements required at this level. Simulator work, structured fitness training and additional testing formed the backbone of his preparation. As a result, he arrives at the season opener feeling equipped for the step up, while remaining realistic about the adaptation required in his first full F3 campaign.
A dream opportunity approached with calm focus
For Gładysz, competing in F3 represents a significant personal milestone. However, rather than allowing that achievement to create pressure, he frames it as motivation to perform with clarity and enjoyment. Speaking to Formula 3 ahead of the opening round, he underlined both his excitement and his determination to remain grounded.
“I’m feeling quite good,” started Gładysz, adding, “I’m happy to be racing in this iconic championship, it’s a dream come true to be racing against such talented drivers and racing in a really amazing team, ART Grand Prix. I’m really looking forward to Australia, which is obviously soon. It will be my first time in this country, my first time on this track, so I’m really looking forward. Let’s see how it goes, but for now I’ll try to enjoy it as much as I can, and I’ll try not to put pressure on myself, and then let’s see how it goes.”
Encouraging preparation ahead of 2026 F3 campaign with ART builds belief for Gładysz
Importantly, Gładysz draws confidence from tangible progress made during pre-season running. In Barcelona, he demonstrated encouraging pace, finishing fourth when times were at their quickest on the second day. That result reflected not only speed over one lap, but also improving consistency across longer runs.
Before official testing commenced, he detailed the comprehensive nature of his winter work and how it translated to confidence in the cockpit.
“I’ve done lots of sim racing, mental training, physical training and I worked on the simulators, so I feel quite confident before the season,” said Gładysz. “I’ve done a bit of tests. I also tested the old car and I feel quite good. We were quite strong in the long runs and quali sims, so I’m feeling quite good.
“I think the break was a bit too long. The last time I was in the car was two months ago, so my first time going out on track was a bit weird. I didn’t remember how the brakes feel, so the first time I went out, the brakes felt super hard and I actually missed the corner, but at least there is no gravel. But the rest felt quite okay. I adapted quite quickly after that, and we improved a lot during the test, but now the official test, different cars, so let’s see how it goes.”
2026 F3 Melbourne opener a new challenge for ART Grand Prix’s Gładysz
With testing complete, attention now shifts to Melbourne — a circuit he has never previously visited. The combination of unfamiliar surroundings, a new championship environment and the intensity of an F3 weekend presents a significant early test.
Despite those variables, Gładysz expresses assurance in the package he and ART have developed during the winter. He believes the team has laid solid foundations in both qualifying simulations and race pace heading into the opening round.
“I feel quite good,” he continued. “I think we, as a team, have a really good car. We will try to give our best in Melbourne, but the season is obviously long, so it’s better to improve round by round or already be on it from the first round.”
First experience of a street-style circuit
Beyond performance objectives, Gładysz also looks forward to the broader experience of racing in Australia. Melbourne offers not only a new country and culture, but also his first competitive outing on a street-style circuit in F3 machinery — a distinctive challenge compared to traditional permanent tracks.
As he considers the calendar highlights, he identifies both familiarity and novelty as motivating factors.
“I would say maybe Barcelona and Melbourne. Melbourne, it’s first time in this country, so I want to see the culture, how it is there, and the track as well. It will be my first time at a street track, it is basically half a street track, but the first time at this track will be a super good feeling.”
The blend of curiosity and competitive ambition defines his outlook. He approaches his rookie campaign with structured preparation, measured confidence and a clear commitment to continuous improvement as he begins his F3 journey with ART Grand Prix.
