FIA Formula 3 resumes its 2026 campaign this week with a crucial in-season test at Austria’s Red Bull Ring. Teams and drivers will gather in Spielberg for two important days of running on 20-21 May as preparations intensify ahead of the 2026 Monte Carlo F3 round.
Importantly, the event marks the first time the grid has returned to the circuit since the opening weekend in Melbourne. Therefore, every session will provide valuable opportunities for teams to improve performance and gather data before the championship resumes.
Packed schedule awaits 2026 F3 teams and drivers at Spielberg
Organisers have split both days into morning and afternoon sessions to maximise track action. Morning running will take place from 09:00 until 12:00 local time on both days.
Meanwhile, the afternoon session on Day 1 will run from 14:00 until 17:00. On Day 2, officials have shortened the lunch interval, allowing the afternoon programme to begin at 13:00 and conclude at 16:00.
In addition, all teams will use the red-walled Pirelli Soft compound tyres throughout the test. Consequently, drivers will gain valuable insight into both outright pace and long-run consistency.
Red Bull Ring hosts historic F3 in-season test
This week’s event carries extra significance because it represents the first FIA Formula 3 test ever staged at the Red Bull Ring. The 4.326-kilometre circuit combines long straights with technical corners and features three DRS zones, making it one of the calendar’s most demanding layouts.
Last season, Nikola Tsolov produced the fastest qualifying lap at the Austrian venue with a 1:20.743 for Campos Racing. As a result, teams will arrive expecting another highly competitive outing.
Furthermore, the Spielberg test should provide a valuable benchmark ahead of the unique challenge presented by Monaco’s narrow street circuit.
Rodin Motorsport adjusts its line-up
Rodin Motorsport will field a revised driver line-up after Christian Ho withdrew because of an academic commitment. Consequently, Genaro Trappa will replace the Singaporean driver for the two-day event.
The change offers Trappa another opportunity to gain F3 mileage while contributing to the team’s development programme.
Full list of participating drivers
Campos Racing: #1 Théophile Naël, #2 Ugo Ugochukwu, #3 Ernesto Rivera
TRIDENT: #4 Noah Stromsted, #5 Freddie Slater, #6 Matteo De Palo
MP Motorsport: #7 Mattia Colnaghi, #8 Tuukka Taponen, #9 Alessandro Giusti
ART Grand Prix: #10 Taito Kato, #11 Maciej Gładysz, #12 Kanato Le
Van Amersfoort Racing: #14 Hiyu Yamakoshi, #15 Enzo Deligny, #16 Bruno Del Pino
Rodin Motorsport: #17 Pedro Clerot, #18 Brando Badoer, #19 Genaro Trappa
PREMA Racing: #20 Louis Sharp, #21 James Wharton, #22 José Garfias
Hitech: #23 Woohyun Shin, #24 Fionn McLaughlin, #25 Jin Nakamura
AIX Racing: #26 Brad Benavides, #27 Yevan David, #28 Fernando Barrichello
DAMS Lucas Oil: #29 Nicola Lacorte, #30 Nandhavud Bhriombhakdi, #31 Gerrard Xie
Attention already turning towards Monaco
Although no championship points will be awarded in Spielberg, the two-day programme could still influence the competitive order heading into Monte Carlo. Teams will focus heavily on tyre management, qualifying simulations and race preparation as they search for an early advantage.
Therefore, the Red Bull Ring test may prove decisive before F3 returns to competitive action on one of motorsport’s most prestigious stages.
Fans can follow the test through the official FIA Formula 3 live blog, while reports, interviews and updates will appear across the championship’s social media platforms throughout the event.
