Rafael Câmara capped a remarkable 2025 Formula 3 season by winning the FIA Rookie of the Year Award, sealing recognition for one of the most commanding debut campaigns in modern F3 history.
Driving for Trident and backed by the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy, Câmara broke the FIA F3 record for pole positions in a single season, topping Qualifying five times in his rookie year. From Melbourne onwards, he set the tone with elite pace, calm execution and tactical intelligence, rarely seen from a first-year driver.
Title secured with authority and composure
Câmara’s championship charge gathered momentum immediately. He claimed pole position and victory on debut in Melbourne, followed by another pole and win in Bahrain. Even when setbacks arrived, such as a difficult Monaco weekend and weather-affected races at Silverstone and Spa, he responded with maturity and control. This resilience ensured he remained a constant threat to his competitors.
The defining moment, however, came at the Hungaroring. Câmara delivered a flawless Feature Race drive in challenging wet conditions, leading from lights to flag to clinch the title with one round to spare. In the final races, he continued to demonstrate professionalism, delivering solid finishes at Monza that underlined his consistency even after the championship had been secured.
Aramco Best Rookie Award recognition
Days before receiving the FIA Rookie of the Year honour, Câmara collected the 2025 Aramco Best Rookie Award at the FIA Formula 2 and 3 Prize Giving Ceremony. Reflecting on his season, he expressed gratitude for his team’s efforts and the tough competition in F3.
“It’s very nice to be recognised with this award. It’s very special. We had great people working together and it makes everything easier, but at the same time, we all know how difficult F3 and F2 are, they’re very high-level Championships.”
He added, “It was a great season, great people around me and it was nice to win the title and hopefully we can do another good one next year.”
Câmara became Trident’s third consecutive Drivers’ Champion, following Gabriel Bortoleto and Leonardo Fornaroli. As a result, he now steps up to FIA Formula 2 with Invicta Racing, the reigning Teams’ Champions, and has already completed post-season testing with the British outfit.
Eyes on Formula 2 in 2026
With multiple wins, consistent points finishes, and unmatched qualifying speed, Câmara’s 2025 season has established him as one of motorsport’s brightest prospects. Looking ahead, his transition to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing sets the stage for the next phase of his meteoric rise. Given his impressive F3 record, expectations are high across the paddock as he prepares to take on the next challenge.
Mari Boya honoured for Silverstone brilliance
At the same FIA Formula 2 and 3 Prize Giving Ceremony, Mari Boya was also recognised, receiving the Dallara Best Overtaking Manoeuvre Award for his spectacular move at the 2025 Silverstone F3 Round. Boya, driving for Campos Racing, executed a brilliant overtaking manoeuvre on Lap 16 of the Sprint Race, passing two rivals in one move as he surged from ninth on the grid to finish third. This moment was one of many that demonstrated Boya’s growing maturity and racecraft throughout the season.
He followed up this performance with his maiden Feature Race victory the next day, a defining moment in his season of resilience and growth. As a result, Boya ultimately finished third in the Drivers’ Standings, contributing significantly to Campos Racing’s historic first Teams’ Championship title. Throughout the season, he demonstrated both his pace and his ability to adapt to challenging situations, which were key to his success.
Accepting the award in Abu Dhabi, Boya reflected on his journey and support network, saying, “I’m happy about my season. The way we started, anything like we ended up with is really good. Really thankful to the Campos team and Aston Martin for the full support.”
“The overtake was really nice, a really beautiful race ending in a podium and similar move to Lewis Hamilton’s there too.”
A season of standout stories
From Câmara’s record-breaking title charge to Boya’s hard-earned resurgence, the 2025 FIA Formula 3 season delivered narratives of excellence, perseverance and progression. As both drivers prepare for the next steps in their careers, their achievements stand as defining chapters in a fiercely competitive year.
