Bruno del Pino heads into Round 3 in Barcelona with one of the strongest records on the 2026 F3 grid. The Van Amersfoort Racing (VAR) driver has scored points in every race so far this season. After taking a podium in the Monte Carlo Sprint Race and finishing sixth in the Feature Race, he remains the only driver with a 100% scoring record across the opening two rounds.
That consistency has moved del Pino to second in the Drivers’ Championship before the first of his two home events this year. However, while the Spaniard arrives with momentum, he has stressed that he and VAR must continue to improve as the season develops.
Del Pino satisfied with early 2026 F3 season momentum
Del Pino has started 2026 strongly, but he has avoided getting carried away by his early results. Instead, he wants to keep the same structure that has helped him collect points at every opportunity so far.
“I’m really happy of the start of the season,” he said to Formula 3 ahead of the Barcelona weekend. “Of course, I don’t want to get too overexcited because I know that other drivers are, of course, going to have good points and they’re going to make it difficult.
While the results have given him confidence, del Pino also pointed to the work happening away from the circuit. For him, the team’s rhythm behind the scenes has played an important role in his consistent start.
“I think aside from the results, outside the track, we’ve been working very well. And I think if it works and we’ve been showing our drive, then why change it? So far, we’re just trying to keep everything the same until we see that it doesn’t work.
That approach has helped del Pino build momentum without overcomplicating his race weekends. Moreover, he believes VAR can continue to fight near the front if the team keeps working with the same intensity.
“But I think if we keep the work ethic and the rhythm that we have now, for sure we can still manage to get good points and still manage to fight at the top.
Nevertheless, del Pino knows there is still room to improve. Although VAR has started well, he believes every race weekend still offers lessons.
“I will just keep focused, try to learn from the mistakes that we have, even though there haven’t been that many. But there’s always things to improve on. I think we’re doing a good job and trying to maximise everything.”
Barcelona brings home comfort and added emotion
Barcelona marks del Pino’s first home event of the 2026 season. Naturally, the weekend carries extra meaning, especially as he will race close to home and in front of Spanish support.
“I mean, the fans and the atmosphere, I’m basically staying at my house, which of course makes it special. But I’m approaching it like every other weekend.
However, del Pino does not want the home setting to change his mindset. The championship points remain the same, and his rivals will not approach the weekend any differently because of the location.
“The points are going to be the same and the rivals are the same every weekend. So it doesn’t change whether I’m in Barcelona or I’m in Monaco or whatever. I just have to keep the same rhythm that I’m working.
Even so, a strong result in Barcelona would carry extra personal significance. Therefore, del Pino wants to use the atmosphere as motivation without allowing it to distract him from the work required.
“Of course, it’s going to be a bit more special if I get a good result, because of all my people here. But that’s why we still have to work hard.”
VAR still chasing Campos and TRIDENT
Van Amersfoort Racing enters Barcelona second in the 2026 F3 Teams’ Standings, while del Pino sits second in the Drivers’ Championship. That position gives both driver and team a strong platform, but del Pino knows VAR must keep pushing.
“I’m in a good team here. But we are not beating Campos or TRIDENT right now. Of course, we’re very much up there. And if we keep on working like that, we can be fighting with them.
That honesty reflects del Pino’s wider approach. Rather than focusing only on headline results, he wants to maximise what VAR currently has and reduce costly mistakes.
“But, for me, it’s about trying to maximise everything that we have, minimising the mistakes. And so far it’s shown up that if you don’t make mistakes, you don’t need to have a magnificent lap that gets you P1, or make a great move down the inside.
Points remain the central target for del Pino and VAR into the 2026 Barcelona F3 Round
Del Pino’s campaign so far has shown the value of consistency. While other drivers may produce standout laps or bold overtakes, he believes regular points can create a strong championship position.
“By just keeping it simple and keeping it within all of the things that you can do. I think that’s where you can get the points. And I think so far, it’s been like that for us. I’m second in the championship, there’s many variables that can change, and many, many other drivers that can make it difficult for me
That mindset also reflects advice from the people around him, including his uncle Pedro de la Rosa. As the season continues, del Pino wants to keep turning clean weekends into championship progress.
“But I know, if we continue like this, it’s about trying to put everything together, trying to maximise points – my uncle and all of the people I have around me, they just say, ‘points, points, points, every race’. And I think that’s what I’m also trying to do.”
Consistency drives del Pino’s Barcelona target
Del Pino arrives in Barcelona with momentum, confidence and home support. Yet his message remains measured. He does not want VAR to change its approach simply because the opening two rounds have gone well.
Instead, he wants to maintain the same work ethic, avoid unnecessary mistakes and continue to score regularly. That strategy has already delivered a podium, a perfect scoring record and second place in the Drivers’ Championship.
As a result, Barcelona gives del Pino another chance to prove that his early-season form can become a sustained championship challenge. The home crowd may add emotion to the weekend, but his priority remains clear: maximise every session, keep improving and keep collecting points.
