The 2025 F3 season reached its climax at Monza, where the Temple of Speed once again lived up to its reputation. Across the two races of the 2025 Italian GP weekend in Monza, fans witnessed a maiden winner, unforgettable overtaking manoeuvres, and the crowning of a new F3 Teams’ Champion. The weekend underlined the fine margins that often decide a championship and reminded all that success in F3 requires a combination of individual brilliance, team strategy, and consistency across the season.
A maiden win for Bilinski
Roman Bilinski’s breakthrough victory in the Sprint Race represented one of the most popular results of the campaign. Having endured a season of mixed fortunes, the Polish driver seized the opportunity at Monza to put everything together. The shortened format of the Sprint demanded perfect execution from start to finish, and Bilinski duly delivered. He held his ground under immense pressure from rivals, defended robustly when challenged, and used the slipstream to his advantage on the long straights. Though he crossed the line second, he was promoted to the win when Tim Tramnitz was disqualified after a technical breach.
For Rodin Motorsport, Bilinski’s win carried broader significance. It demonstrated that the team, while not a title contender, could still compete at the sharp end when conditions aligned. In a category where the competitive order can shift rapidly, Bilinski’s performance reminded rivals that even midfield teams could upset the established leaders. Furthermore, the victory offered Bilinski himself the validation that perseverance and resilience eventually lead to rewards. His maiden win not only boosted morale but also elevated his profile for the future.
Thus, the Sprint Race opened the weekend with drama and optimism. It set the stage for the Feature Race, where the focus shifted to the championship battle, and Campos Racing prepared to deliver the defining performance of their season.
Inthraphuvsak leads Campos Racing to glory
If Bilinski’s Sprint Race win brought joy, then Tasanapol Inthraphuvsak’s Sunday drive delivered history. From third on the grid, the Thai driver braked impossibly late into Turn 1 and swept around the outside of both Brad Benavides and Nikola Tsolov. In a single move, he transformed the complexion of the race and, arguably, the championship itself. That daring manoeuvre gave him control, and from that moment onwards, Campos Racing dictated proceedings.
Throughout the Feature Race, Inthraphuvsak displayed remarkable composure. Lap after lap, he absorbed pressure from behind while keeping his own pace steady. Meanwhile, teammate Tsolov protected second position, ensuring that the team held a commanding one-two. When the chequered flag waved, Campos Racing celebrated more than just a race victory: they secured their maiden F3 Teams’ Championship.
This achievement capped a season of consistency and collective strength. Tsolov’s runner-up finish in the standings, Mari Boya’s third place, and Inthraphuvsak’s seventh ensured that all three Campos Racing drivers finished inside the top seven. Their combined efforts brought six victories and fourteen podiums. Importantly, it also underlined how a balanced line-up, where every driver contributes significantly, often outweighs the reliance on a single star.
Consequently, Campos Racing’s triumph did more than secure silverware. It announced the team as a future powerhouse of F3, capable of challenging year after year. The one-two finish in Monza embodied the unity, confidence, and tactical precision that defined their 2025 campaign.
Trident falter at the final hurdle
In stark contrast to Campos Racing’s celebrations, Trident departed Monza with disappointment. Entering the weekend with a 19-point advantage, they held the upper hand in the championship fight. Moreover, their historical record in Italy, including multiple pole positions in recent visits, gave them confidence. However, Friday qualifying brought a brutal twist.
Rafael Câmara, who topped Group A, saw his only flying lap deleted for exceeding track limits. That error left him starting from the back of the field for both races, severely compromising his weekend. With their star driver out of position, Trident placed their hopes on Charlie Wurz and Noah Stromsted. Yet both qualified in the midfield, unable to challenge for the front rows.
Saturday’s Sprint offered a glimmer of relief, as Stromsted salvaged eighth place to collect points. However, Wurz retired after contact damage, and the team’s momentum faltered. On Sunday, Câmara reminded everyone of his raw talent by climbing from last to fifth in a stunning comeback drive. Stromsted added sixth place, but again, Wurz failed to finish. Although their resilience was commendable, the deficit created on Friday proved insurmountable.
As a result, Trident relinquished the championship to Campos despite a season of strong results. Their Monza experience highlighted the unforgiving nature of F3: one poor session can undo months of progress. Nevertheless, finishing second overall remained a respectable outcome, and with a line-up boasting speed and potential, TRIDENT will surely aim to return stronger in 2026.
Benavides shines for AIX Racing
Away from the title battle, Brad Benavides ensured that AIX Racing ended their year on a high. Qualifying in Monza is notoriously complex due to the reliance on slipstream, yet Benavides delivered one of the standout laps of the season. Initially languishing in eighth place within Group B, he produced a sensational final effort. His 1:38.120 lap not only leapfrogged the entire group but also secured pole position by over two-tenths of a second.
This achievement marked his second pole of the year and underlined AIX’s impressive one-lap pace. During the Feature Race, Benavides fought valiantly at the front, holding his own against drivers from Campos Racing and Trident. Ultimately, he finished fourth, narrowly missing out on a podium. Nevertheless, the performance represented his best result of the season and gave AIX cause for optimism heading into the winter break.
The American’s effort carried additional significance. In a championship where podiums are often shared among the leading teams, Benavides demonstrated that AIX could compete against the front-runners. Moreover, his determination to bounce back from earlier setbacks showed character and resilience.
Therefore, while AIX may not yet possess the consistency required to challenge for championships, their performances in qualifying and occasional strong race results indicate a team on the rise. With further development, they may transform into regular contenders in the coming years.
Qualifying split creates contrasting stories
Monza’s split Qualifying format once again shaped the grid and sparked debate. Group A approached the session cautiously. Many drivers delayed their runs, hoping to maximise track conditions and secure a slipstream. However, this gamble backfired. Because most only attempted a single flying lap, the risk of mistakes proved fatal. When Rafael Câmara had his lap deleted, he was left without a time. Meanwhile, Ugo Ugochukwu set the fastest lap of the group, but his benchmark proved vulnerable. Several others, including Callum Voisin, struggled without a tow and dropped down the order.
By contrast, Group B learned from the earlier mistakes. Every driver exited the pits as soon as the session began, ensuring multiple push laps. This approach reduced pressure, allowed gradual improvements, and made the most of tyres that retained performance across several laps. As a result, drivers could build rhythm, and by the time Benavides unleashed his pole lap, the group had already eclipsed Group A’s times.
The contrast between the groups illustrated Monza’s unique challenges. While slipstream can make or break a lap, over-reliance on timing strategy exposes drivers to risk. Group B’s success showed that a collective approach, with all cars on track together, provides the best opportunity. Looking back, Group A’s drivers may regret not adopting the same tactic.
Consequently, the 2025 qualifying session reinforced the notion that in Monza, strategy matters as much as speed. Teams will undoubtedly study these lessons carefully for future visits to Italy.
Looking ahead to 2026
As the dust settles on the 2025 season, the competitive landscape of F3 appears more balanced than ever. Campos Racing emerge as champions, their collective consistency and fearless racing proving decisive. Trident, although disappointed, will regroup with determination, armed with the knowledge that they remain a force at the front. Meanwhile, AIX and others leave Monza with renewed belief, buoyed by flashes of genuine speed.
Looking forward, the lessons of Monza will shape preparations for 2026. Teams now understand more clearly the value of strategic flexibility in qualifying, the importance of maximising every opportunity in the Sprint, and the rewards of calculated aggression in the Feature. Moreover, the year confirmed that F3 is not solely about individual brilliance but about entire teams working in harmony to extract every possible point.
Therefore, anticipation already builds for the next season. With Campos Racing eager to defend their crown, Trident determined to reclaim supremacy, and emerging challengers ready to disrupt, the 2026 F3 season promises to be another enthralling chapter. At the Temple of Speed, history was written once more, and the echoes of Monza will reverberate long into the winter months.
