DAMS Lucas Oil has announced their first driver for their 2026 F3 lineup: Nandhavud “Jem” Bhirombhakdi. The 19-year-old Thai racer steps up from two seasons in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA), where he finished 16th in the 2025 standings.
From karting to F3
Nandhavud Bhirombhakdi graduated from karting in 2022, before moving into single-seaters, competing in F4 UAE, ADAC F4 Germany, and Italian F4. In 2023, he joined the Formula 5 CES Championship with PHM Racing, claiming his first podium, a second-place finish at the Red Bull Ring.
In 2024, he advanced to FRECA, joining KIC Motorsport and finishing 26th in the Drivers’ Standings. He continued racing in FRECA in 2025 with Trident, securing multiple points finishes across the year to finish 16th in the standings.
He now joins the FIA Formula 3 Championship with the French team, DAMS Lucas Oil. “I’m really excited to be joining DAMS Lucas Oil for the FIA F3 next year,” said Bhirombhakdi. “I want to thank the team for giving me this opportunity and can’t wait to get started.”
Adapting to F3 machinery
During post-season testing, Bhirombhakdi participated in sessions in Jerez, Barcelona, and Imola with DAMS. He took full advantage of the sessions to familiarize himself with the car. He delivered varied results across the tests. On day one of Jerez testing, his best result was 29th across the combined sessions. However, in the afternoon session of day two, he managed to finish 10th on the grid. He was 1.874 seconds behind session leader, Ernesto Rivera.
He improved in Barcelona, with his results ranging from 18th to 24th across the two days. Yet, his adaptation struggles resumed in Imola, where his best result was 20th.
Although he faced some challenges in post-season testing, DAMS Lucas Oil Team Owner Charles Pic said, “We are pleased to welcome Jew to the DAMS Lucas Oil family. He’s shown great potential and a strong work ethic for his age. We look forward to supporting his progression as he takes on the challenges of FIA Formula 3 next season.
