In just his first season of F3, Brazilian driver Rafael Câmara has added his name to the history books. The Trident rookie has been crowned the 2025 FIA Formula 3 Champion after a resounding victory in the F3 Feature Race at the Hungarian GP, clinching the title before the final round of the season with a performance that combined pace, consistency, and impressive mental strength. Across the year, Câmara emerged as one of the most composed and mature drivers on the grid, navigating the challenges of a competitive field and a brand-new car to secure the championship with one of the most complete rookie campaigns in recent memory.
Speaking during a press conference, attended by Pit Debrief, after his title-sealing weekend at the 2025 Hungarian GP, Câmara shared his thoughts on the season, the mindset required to deliver under pressure, and what lies ahead as he sets his sights on the next stage of his career. Through a mix of humility and confidence, the 20-year-old reflected not only on his personal growth but also on the efforts of the team that supported him along the way.
Relief and reward after a season of relentless work
Winning a championship is often the result of many unseen hours of effort, planning, and sacrifice. For Câmara, the 2025 F3 title was more than just a reward for performance on track — it was a moment to pause and appreciate everything he and the team had poured into the campaign since the end of last year.
“I’m very happy. All the hard work we did all season has paid off, so super happy. It’s a time where we can finally relax a bit because all season, regardless of if you are losing or if you’re winning you always keep working hard. You always focus on the things that you can improve, you never really enjoy the moment even if you’re winning or losing, you just try to keep the focus very high and never leave anything on the table.”
Even while winning races and scoring points consistently, Câmara never allowed himself to become complacent. His focus remained fixed on improvement and execution, rather than basking in results. That level of discipline played a key role in sustaining momentum throughout the season.
“So, to finally relax is very good and also after you feel very tired because it has been a very long journey and now, I can enjoy a bit with the team and with everyone. They deserve so much. What they did for me was something amazing.”
A rewards for the Trident team after a season of tireless effort
Behind every successful driver is a team of engineers, mechanics, and strategists working tirelessly to ensure the car is competitive. Câmara paid tribute to Trident’s commitment, especially during pre-season preparations when the new F3 car presented an unknown challenge for all teams.
“All the hard work the team was doing before the season already from last year. Obviously, the new car was a big question mark, and how we were going to start the season. After Australia it was a big relief for me and the team, we knew we were going the right way and now it’s time to enjoy a bit.”
That early success in Melbourne set the tone for the rest of the campaign, giving both driver and team the confidence that they could fight for the title.
A rookie season beyond expectations
Few drivers arrive in F3 and immediately make their name, especially in a year where the field has been so tightly matched. Yet Câmara did exactly that — taking pole position and a Feature Race win at the 2025 F3 opening round in Melbourne and never looking back. By the time the penultimate round arrived, he had amassed four victories, five pole positions, and multiple podiums, firmly establishing himself as the driver to beat.
“Obviously no. I mean it was a big surprise. I think after all the preparation we did obviously you always want to win, you always go into a Championship thinking that you can win the Championship, thinking that you’re going to fight for what you can.”
While every driver enters a season with hope, few can realistically expect to control the title fight from the very start — especially as a rookie. Câmara acknowledged that his expectations were exceeded early on, but he knew staying at the top would demand consistency and focus over a long season.
“But I was never expecting to start how we started in Australia. It was almost a perfect weekend, apart from the Sprint Races, but I think like I said after Australia I knew we were in a good place, and I just needed to keep myself always in a good spot with the team. With myself as well, I had to understand what I needed to do each weekend. Making sure I’m always consistent, as a rookie I think it was a very good year, and I will try to focus now for Monza and finish on a high.”
Keeping composure through Championship swings
Despite leading the 2025 F3 Championship since Round 1, however, Câmara never allowed himself to believe the title was secure. The dynamic nature of F3 meant that every race brought new risks and potential title contenders. For the Brazilian, it was essential to stay calm and make smart decisions — avoiding unnecessary risks while scoring consistently.
“Everything can change so quickly, so you never relax. You know you are first but as you see on the standings, sometimes I was fighting with one driver, sometimes it was another driver, every time it was changing.”
He approached each weekend with a methodical mindset, understanding that consistency would be more valuable than chasing spectacular results at the cost of finishing.
“I always try to keep it clean, do a good job, don’t get involved in any crashes and be consistent. Even with that, sometimes we were further than P2, sometimes we were very close.”
The importance of luck in a tricky campaign
Câmara also spoke candidly about the role luck played in the season — both good and bad. While his results came from solid driving, small moments elsewhere in the field also influenced the final outcome.
“We had a bit of luck, for example Austria unfortunately Nikola Tsolov got a disqualification, otherwise it would be much tighter. In Spa, we got a bit unlucky that we couldn’t race, as it was a race I could have scored many points. It’s how it goes. A Championship is always very tricky, everything can change very quickly, you just have to make sure you are always in the right mindset.”
Looking ahead: F2 beckons
Although one round remains in the 2025 F3 Championship, attention is already turning to what lies ahead for Câmara. Having conquered F3 in his first attempt, the natural progression is a step up to Formula 2 — the final rung on the ladder before Formula 1.
“Well next will be a bit of holidays. Enjoy Brazil with my family and friends, it’s good to win one round in advance because finally we can relax. After Monza, for sure it will be F2 next year.”
While no official announcement has been made regarding his 2026 destination, Câmara is already focused on self-improvement and preparation during the off-season to ensure he hits the ground running when the lights go out in F2, should that be where he lands for the new season.
“Then there will be a big break until the tests, I will just focus on myself to make sure that I am well prepared when I go to drive. Hopefully I can have another strong season.”
F2 will present a steeper learning curve — with longer races, pit stops, and more complex strategies — but Câmara has already proven he has the mindset and skillset to rise to the occasion.
Brazilian mastery in the wet
Some of Câmara’s most impressive performances this season have come in wet-weather. Navigating tricky conditions with confidence, he has consistently showcased his control and comfort in the rain — part of a long tradition of talented Brazilian drivers known for excelling in wet conditions. When asked what makes Brazilians so strong in the rain, Câmara offered a modest and light-hearted response.
“So why exactly the reason? I don’t know if it’s the weather in Brazil. If we learn from very young, you know, the weather. I think just something, a coincidence. Because, yeah, normally I’ve always been good on the wet.”
Confidence at the Hungaroring
In damp conditions, the 2025 F3 Feature Race at the Hungarian GP race itself was not without pressure. Spanish driver Mari Boya kept him on his toes early on, particularly during the first Safety Car phase. However, Câmara kept his focus, dialled in his tyres, and managed the remainder of the race with authority.
“This race as well has been very good. A bit too long, because Mari [Boya] was very fast as well. In this first Safety Car, to keep him behind was a bit tricky. But then afterwards, I managed to get the tyres on 10. And from there on, I was just managing to keep in a good way, clean and no mistakes. Probably I was not, in the end, I was not very nervous about doing mistakes. I was quite confident. Everything was under control.”
Behind the scenes, Trident team boss Giacomo Ricci was closely monitoring his driver, giving constant reminders to remain calm — though Câmara admits he was already in the zone.
“Probably Giacomo [Ricci] was a bit more [stressed] on the pitwall, because every lap he was just speaking to me to keep it safe, keep it clean. But yeah, in the end we did it. We managed to finish in a good way.”
That victory was made even more special by the timing — one day before his brother’s birthday.
“And yeah, now we just, like I said, just enjoy the moment with my family at home. Tomorrow will be the birthday of my brother, so I can say it was a good gift for him, so I don’t need to buy anything. And then, yeah, just enjoy this.”
A commanding and intelligent performance
Rafael Câmara’s 2025 season will be remembered as one of the most commanding and intelligent rookie campaigns in F3 history. With every race, he demonstrated not only natural speed but the mental clarity and maturity required to become a champion. As he prepares to continue his climb up the motorsport pathway, be it into F2 or elsewhere, there’s little doubt that his journey through the single-seater ladder is far from over. For Brazil — a nation with a deep legacy in motorsport — Câmara’s success offers a promising glimpse into the future.
