The 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship (FIA F3) continues to cement its role as one of the most important stepping stones on the road to F1. Entering its seventeenth overall season and eighth under the FIA F3 Championship banner, the series remains the third tier of the FIA Global Pathway, positioned directly below F2. Once again, F3 will race exclusively as part of the F1 support package, ensuring young drivers perform in front of F1 teams, manufacturers and decision-makers at some of the most prestigious circuits in the world.
A level playing field by design
FIA F3 is a one-make, spec championship, meaning success depends on driver skill, race craft and team execution rather than budget or technical advantage. For 2026, every team runs the Dallara F3 2025 chassis, paired with a bespoke Mecachrome 3.4-litre naturally aspirated V6 engine.
The engine delivers 380 horsepower at 8,000 rpm, giving the cars a top speed of around 300 km/h. All teams use Pirelli tyres, with F3 now aligned more closely with F2 and F1 through the adoption of 16-inch wheels.
The Dallara F3 2025: closer racing, higher standards
Introduced in 2025, the Dallara F3 2025 represents a significant step forward in safety, performance and sustainability. Dallara designed the car with a strong focus on overtaking and raceability, reducing ride-height sensitivity and allowing a wider range of suspension set-ups.
Key technical and safety features include:
- Carbon-fibre monocoque compliant with FIA F3 2025 safety regulations
- Steel Halo, anti-intrusion panels and wheel tether cables
- Front and rear carbon-composite wings
- FIA-style Virtual Safety Car and marshalling system
Performance figures underline the level of the category:
- 0–100 km/h: 3.0 seconds
- 0–200 km/h: 7.7 seconds
- Maximum braking deceleration: –1.9 G
- Lateral acceleration: up to ±2.6 G
Power goes through a six-speed longitudinal sequential gearbox, operated via electro-hydraulic paddle shift. Teams have access to high-speed data logging but no live telemetry, reinforcing the focus on driver feedback and engineering fundamentals.
Sustainability at the forefront
F3 continues to play a key role in the FIA’s sustainability strategy. The F3 2025 runs on advanced fuel developed to meet the FIA’s 100% sustainable fuel standard, developed in partnership with Aramco.
Dallara also incorporates recycled carbon into multiple components, including:
- Front end plates
- Engine cover
- Driver seat shell
This approach allows F3 to remain technologically relevant while controlling costs.
2026 F3 Weekend format and sporting regulations
Each race weekend follows a consistent and easy-to-follow structure:
Friday:
- Free Practice: 45 minutes
- Qualifying: 30 minutes
Saturday: Sprint Race: 40 minutes + one lap
Sunday: Feature Race: 45 minutes + one lap (held ahead of the F1 Grand Prix)
Qualifying sets the grid for the Feature Race, while the Sprint Race grid reverses the top 12 qualifiers, encouraging overtaking and strategic racing throughout the weekend.
Points system explained
F3 rewards consistency and race management across both races:
- Pole position (Feature Race): 2 points
- Sprint Race: Top 10 score 10–1 points
- Feature Race: Top 10 score 25–1 points
- Fastest lap: 1 point in each race, provided the driver finishes in the top 10
Tyres, DRS and driver eligibility
Each driver receives:
- Four sets of dry tyres
- Two sets of wet tyres per event
Drivers may use DRS freely during practice and qualifying. During races, DRS becomes available after two laps and only when a driver is within one second of the car ahead at the detection point. The DRS zones mirror those used by F1 at each circuit.
All competitors must hold an FIA International Grade A or B licence.
A packed F3 calendar in 2026
Pre-season preparation takes place across two official tests:
- 10–12 February – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain
- 25–27 March – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir
Meanwhile, the 2026 season features 10 rounds across nine countries, beginning in Australia and ending with a brand-new finale in Spain. All events support F1 and F2.
Our plans for the year ahead 📆
— Formula 3 (@Formula3) January 1, 2026
Looking good 😎#F3 #RoadToF1 pic.twitter.com/YQjIjWzDik
A notable change sees Imola removed from the calendar, replaced by a second Spanish round in Madrid, following F1 and F2.
F3: The proving ground for future stars
Since its launch in 2019, FIA F3 has blended the strongest elements of GP3 and European F3 into a single, clearly defined pathway to F1. The championship demands raw pace, tyre management, adaptability and race intelligence—skills essential for progression to F2 and beyond.
With identical machinery, a global calendar and intense competition, the 2026 season promises another showcase of emerging talent aiming to follow in the footsteps of reigning champion Rafael Câmara.
In 2026, 10 teams and 30 drivers (three drivers per team) will compete in FIA F3.
Campos Racing
Campos Racing enters the 2026 F3 season as the reigning Teams’ Champions, carrying strong momentum into a critical title-defence year. Founded in 1997 by former F1 driver Adrián Campos and based in Alzira, Valencia, the team has established itself as a leading force in junior single-seater racing. Over time, Campos has built a respected development pathway, contributing to the careers of drivers such as Fernando Alonso, Sergio Pérez, Lando Norris and Alex Palou. After years of progress, the team claimed its first F3 Teams’ Championship in 2025, underlining its technical strength, operational execution and driver development. Consequently, Campos aims to remain the benchmark team in 2026.
#1: Théophile Naël
Seasons in F3: 2025 (Van Amersfoort Racing – P8)
Nationality: France
Affiliation: None
Notable accolades:
- P1 – F4 Spanish Championship (2023)
- P1 – Macau Grand Prix (2025)
Théophile Naël joins Campos Racing following a strong rookie F3 season in 2025 with Van Amersfoort Racing, where he finished eighth overall. The Frenchman brings standout credentials, including the 2023 F4 Spanish Championship title and victory at the 2025 Macau Grand Prix. Moreover, he has consistently demonstrated adaptability, raw speed and composure under pressure. As part of the reigning champions, Naël enters the season as a potential title contender and a key pillar of Campos’ championship challenge.
#2: Ugo Ugochukwu
Seasons in F3: 2025 (Prema Racing – P16)
Nationality: United States
Affiliation: None (formerly McLaren Driver Development Programme from 2021 – 2025)
Notable accolades:
- P3 – F4 British Championship (2022)
- P3 – Formula 4 UAE Championship (2023)
- P2 – Italian F4 Championship (2023)
- P1 – Euro 4 Championship (2023)
- P1 – Macau Grand Prix (2024)
- P3 – Formula Regional Middle East Championship (2025)
- P1 – Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (2026)
Ugo Ugochukwu enters his second FIA F3 campaign after gaining valuable experience with Prema Racing in 2025. Although he finished 16th in the standings, he secured two podiums and showed clear progression throughout the year. In addition, the American boasts an extensive junior record, including titles in Euro 4 and the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy, alongside a Macau Grand Prix win. Therefore, his move to Campos places him in an ideal environment to convert experience into consistent front-running performances.
#3: Ernesto Rivera
Seasons in F3: None
Nationality: Mexico
Affiliation: Red Bull Junior Team
Notable accolades: P4 -Eurocup-3 (2025)
Ernesto Rivera steps up to FIA F3 as one of the youngest drivers on the grid at just 17 years old. The Mexican Red Bull Junior has risen rapidly through the ranks with Campos, progressing from Spanish F4 to Eurocup-3, where he finished fourth in 2025 with multiple victories. Known for his maturity, consistency and race management, Rivera approaches 2026 as a highly regarded rookie. Accordingly, the season represents a key development year, with flashes of top-tier results expected.
Due to a back injury sustained in the final round of the 2026 CTFROT, Rivera was replaced by Patrick Heuzeroeder in the Barcelona pre-season tests. Heuzeroeder forms part of GriffinCore Campos Racing’s lineup in the 2026 Eurocup-3 championship.
Trident
Trident Motorsport enters the 2026 F3 season as one of the category’s defining forces. Founded in 2006 and based in San Pietro Mosezzo, Italy, the team has evolved from its GP2 origins into a modern F3 powerhouse. In recent years, Trident has set the benchmark for success, securing three consecutive Drivers’ Championships from 2023 to 2025. As a result, it has built a reputation for title-winning machinery, elite driver development and relentless competitiveness.
In 2025, Trident once again underlined its strength by claiming the Drivers’ Championship, narrowly missing out on the Teams’ title. Nevertheless, the campaign reinforced the team’s status as a perennial contender. Built on qualifying excellence, operational sharpness and composure under pressure, Trident now targets a return to the top of the Teams’ standings in 2026 while extending its remarkable Drivers’ title streak.
#4: Noah Strømsted
Seasons in F3: 2025 (Trident – P6)
Nationality: Denmark
Affiliation: None (formerly Mercedes Junior Team in 2025)
Notable accolades: P2 – F4 Danish Championship (2021)
Noah Strømsted returns to Trident for his second FIA F3 season after an impressive rookie campaign in 2025. The Danish driver finished sixth overall, secured multiple podiums and claimed a standout Sprint Race victory at Spa-Francorchamps. Known for his composure and race intelligence, Strømsted benefits from continuity within the team and a full year of F3 experience. Therefore, he enters 2026 as a genuine championship contender, aiming to turn consistency into regular victories.
#5: Freddie Slater
Seasons in F3: None
Featured in:
- 2025 Sakhir F3 Round with AIX Racing (P2 in Sprint Race)
- 2025 Spa-Francorchamps F3 Round with Hitech TGR
Nationality: United Kingdom
Affiliation: Audi Driver Development Programme
Notable accolades:
- P1 – Ginetta Junior Winter Series (2022)
- P1 – Ginetta Junior Championship (2023)
- P1 – Formula 4 UAE Championship (2024)
- P1 – Italian F3 Championship (2024)
- P2 – Euro 4 Championship (2024)
- P2 – Formula Regional Middle East Championship (2025)
- P1 – Formula Regional European Championship (2025)
- P2 – Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (2026)
Freddie Slater joins Trident as one of the most highly rated rookies on the 2026 grid. Despite making his F3 debut, the 17-year-old Briton already impressed during limited appearances in 2025, including a Sprint Race podium at Sakhir. Moreover, he brings an outstanding junior record, highlighted by titles in Formula 4 UAE and the Formula Regional European Championship. Renowned for raw pace and adaptability, Slater steps into the most successful Drivers’ Championship team of recent years, making his debut season one of the most anticipated storylines of 2026.
#6: Matteo De Palo
Seasons in F3: None
Nationality: Italy
Affiliation: McLaren Driver Development Programme
Notable accolades: P2 – Formula Regional European Championship (2025)
Matteo De Palo completes Trident’s line-up as an Italian rookie making his FIA F3 debut. After a breakthrough 2025 Formula Regional European Championship campaign with Trident, where he finished second overall with multiple wins, he enters F3 with momentum and strong team familiarity. Valued for consistency, technical feedback and steady progression, De Palo represents a long-term investment for the team. Accordingly, his rookie season will prioritise development, consistent points finishes and seizing front-running opportunities when they arise.
MP Motorsport
MP Motorsport enters the 2026 F3 season with renewed confidence and clear championship ambitions. Founded in 1995 and based in the Netherlands, the team has grown into one of the most versatile and respected operations in junior single-seater racing. Competing across FIA F2, F3, F1 Academy, Eurocup-3 and Spanish F4, MP has built a strong reputation for long-term driver development, helping progress talents such as Felipe Drugovich, Victor Martins and Richard Verschoor.
After a challenging 2024 campaign, MP responded emphatically in 2025. The team finished third in the Teams’ Championship with 177 points, six podiums and a race victory. Consequently, that resurgence confirmed MP’s ability to adapt to technical change and extract performance from young drivers. For 2026, MP Motorsport combines elite junior pedigree with continuity and academy backing. As a result, the line-up blends a highly rated rookie, an established second-year contender and a proven in-house talent, giving the team depth and genuine title potential across all three cars.
#7: Mattia Colnaghi
Seasons in F3: None
Nationality: Argentina, Italy
Affiliation: Red Bull Junior Team
Notable accolades:
- P1 – F4 Spanish Championship (2024)
- P2 – Eurocup-3 Spanish Winter Championship (2025)
- P1 – Eurocup-3 (2025)
- P4 – Macau Grand Prix (2025)
Mattia Colnaghi steps up to FIA F3 following a rapid and highly successful junior career. The Italian-Argentine driver arrives as the reigning Eurocup-3 Champion and 2024 Spanish F4 Champion, achievements that secured his place in the Red Bull Junior Team. Having raced exclusively with MP Motorsport throughout his single-seater progression, Colnaghi benefits from strong team familiarity and a proven winning mentality. At just 17 years old, he enters his debut F3 season as one of the most exciting rookies on the 2026 grid.
#8: Tuukka Taponen
Seasons in F3: 2025 (P9 – ART Grand Prix)
Featured in: 2024 Spa-Francorchamps F3 Round
Nationality: Finland
Affiliation: Ferrari Driver Academy
Notable accolades:
- P2 – Formula 4 UAE Championship (2023)
- P1 – Formula Regional Middle East Championship (2024)
- P3 – Formula Regional European Championship (2023)
Tuukka Taponen joins MP Motorsport for his second FIA F3 campaign after an impressive rookie season with ART Grand Prix in 2025. The Finnish driver finished ninth overall, claimed three podiums and showed strong adaptability across mixed conditions. Moreover, as a Karting World Champion and Formula Regional Middle East title winner, he brings elite pedigree and experience. Backed by the Ferrari Driver Academy, Taponen’s move to MP signals clear intent to fight at the front, positioning him as a potential race winner and championship dark horse in 2026.
#9: Alessandro Giusti
Seasons in F3: 2025 (P10 – MP Motorsport)
Nationality: France
Affiliation: Williams Driver Academy
Notable accolades:
- P1 – French F4 Championship (2022)
- P4 – Formula Regional European Championship (2024)
Alessandro Giusti returns to MP Motorsport for a second F3 season after a strong rookie campaign in 2025. The Frenchman scored points in 13 races, secured two podiums and delivered a standout second-place finish in Austria. A former French F4 Champion with proven success in FRECA, Giusti is known for his composure, consistency and wet-weather ability. Supported by the Williams Driver Academy, continuity with MP Motorsport provides him with a solid platform to mount a sustained championship challenge in 2026.
ART Grand Prix
ART Grand Prix enters the 2026 F3 season looking to reset and rebuild after an underwhelming 2025 campaign. One of the most successful teams in junior single-seater history, the French outfit has played a pivotal role in developing world-class talent, including Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Nyck de Vries. ART’s pedigree across Formula 3, GP3, Formula 2 and beyond has long established them as a benchmark operation.
However, following a fourth-place finish in the 2025 Teams’ Championship, the team has opted for a fresh approach. ART will field an all-rookie line-up in 2026, focusing on long-term development rather than immediate championship pressure. With three highly rated young drivers stepping up from Formula Regional and Formula 4, ART Grand Prix aims to return to the front by laying strong technical and competitive foundations in a new era for the team.
#10: Taito Kato
Seasons in F3: None
Nationality: Japan
Affiliation: Honda Formula Dream Project
Notable accolades: P1 – French F4 Championship (2024)
Taito Kato makes his F3 debut with ART Grand Prix after a rapid rise through the junior ranks. The Japanese driver is the 2024 French Formula 4 Champion and finished seventh overall in the 2025 Formula Regional European Championship with ART. Backed by the Honda Formula Dream Project, Kato is known for his discipline, adaptability, and calm approach under pressure. His continuity with ART provides a solid base as he transitions to F3, where he will aim to establish himself as a consistent points scorer during his rookie campaign.
#11: Maciej Gładysz
Seasons in F3: None
Nationality: Poland
Affiliation: None (formerly Sauber Karting Team in 2021)
Notable accolades:
- P3 – Formula Winter Series (2024)
- P3 – F4 Spanish Championship (2024)
- P1 – Eurocup-3 Spanish Winter Championship (2025)
Maciej Gładysz joins ART Grand Prix for 2026. The Polish driver impressed in his early single-seater career, finishing third in the 2024 Spanish Formula 4 Championship with MP Motorsport before stepping up to Eurocup-3 in 2025. There, he claimed victories in both the winter series and main championship, remaining in title contention until the final round. Highly regarded for his consistency and maturity, Gładysz represents a long-term investment for ART as he takes on the challenge of F3 at just 17 years old.
#12: Kanato Le
Seasons in F3: None
Nationality: Japan
Affiliation: None
Kanato Le steps up to F3 following two seasons of experience in Formula Regional machinery. After a learning year in FRECA with G4 Racing in 2024, Le joined ART Grand Prix in 2025 and delivered steady progress, including a Formula Regional Middle East race victory and an eighth-place championship finish. The Japanese driver has also shown versatility across multiple platforms, balancing FRECA with a successful part-time GB3 campaign. Remaining with ART for his F3 debut, Le brings valuable technical familiarity and racecraft to the team’s 2026 line-up.
Van Amersfoort Racing
Van Amersfoort Racing enters the 2026 F3 season with growing confidence following its strongest campaign since joining the championship. Founded in 1975 and based in the Netherlands, VAR is one of junior motorsport’s most historic development teams, having guided drivers such as Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Mick Schumacher, Liam Lawson, Oliver Bearman and Franco Colapinto toward the top levels of racing.
In 2025, VAR delivered a clear step forward in F3, finishing fifth in the Teams’ Championship with a record 138 points, three race victories and multiple podiums. The season confirmed that the Dutch outfit is no longer just a developmental presence, but a genuine contender capable of beating established frontrunners on merit. For 2026, VAR builds on that momentum with a line-up blending elite Formula Regional form, team continuity, and prior F3 experience. The focus now shifts from proving potential to achieving sustained competitiveness across an entire season.
#14: Hiyu Yamakoshi
Seasons in F3: None
Nationality: Japan
Affiliation: None
Notable accolades:
- P3 – Italian F4 Championship (2024)
- P4 – Euro 4 Championship (2024)
Hiyu Yamakoshi steps up to F3 with Van Amersfoort Racing after several successful seasons within the team’s development structure. The Japanese driver impressed in Italian F4 and Euro 4 during 2024, before graduating to Formula Regional in 2025, where he scored multiple podiums and finished inside the top ten overall. Valued for his work ethic, adaptability and technical feedback, Yamakoshi benefits from strong continuity with VAR as he makes his F3 debut. His rookie campaign will focus on consistent points finishes and long-term progression.
#15: Enzo Deligny
Seasons in F3: None
Nationality: France, China
Affiliation: None (formerly Red Bull Junior Team from 2023 to 2025)
Notable accolades:
- P4 – F4 Spanish Championship (2023)
- P4 – Macau Grand Prix (2024)
- P3 – Formula Regional Middle East Championship (2025)
- P3 – Macau Grand Prix (2025)
Enzo Deligny makes his F3 debut with Van Amersfoort Racing following a standout 2025 Formula Regional European Championship campaign. The French–Chinese driver finished third overall with four wins, four pole positions and nine podiums, establishing himself as one of the strongest prospects of his generation. A former Red Bull Junior and highly accomplished karter, Deligny is known for his qualifying speed and front-running composure. Joining VAR for his first F3 season, he is widely expected to contend for podiums immediately and could emerge as a title challenger.
#16: Bruno del Pino
Seasons in F3: 2025 (P23 – MP Motorsport)
Nationality: Spain
Affiliation: None
Notable accolades:
- P3 – FIA Motorsport Games Formula 4 Cup (2022)
- P3 – Eurocup-3 (2024)
Bruno del Pino returns for his second F3 season with Van Amersfoort Racing after a challenging rookie year at MP Motorsport. The Spaniard, a former Eurocup-3 title contender, showed flashes of front-running potential in 2025, including a Sprint Race podium at Imola. With a season of F3 experience now behind him, del Pino joins VAR aiming to unlock greater consistency and translate his qualifying speed into regular points. His experience adds balance to the line-up and positions him as a potential breakthrough candidate in 2026.
Rodin Motorsport
Rodin Motorsport continued its steady rise in the F3 Championship in 2025, finishing 6th in the Teams’ Standings with 128 points, a clear improvement on 2024’s 8th place and 2023’s last‑place finish. The British team claimed one victory and three additional podiums, highlighted by Roman Bilinski’s maiden win at Monza after a strong Sprint Race performance. Rodin’s progress was built on better race pace, sharper strategy execution, and drivers capable of grabbing results when the car was competitive. However, inconsistency — particularly in qualifying and mid‑season momentum — occasionally blunted its progress, with zero points at some rounds and fluctuating results across the trio.
For 2026, Rodin has opted for an all‑new driver line‑up featuring Brando Badoer, Christian Ho and Pedro Clerot. The team’s objective is clear: build on its 2025 foundation to become a regular points contender and break into the top five of the Teams’ Championship in the upcoming season.
#17: Pedro Clerot
Seasons in F3: None
Nationality: Brazil
Affiliation: None
Notable accolades:
- P2 – Formula Delta (2021)
- P1 – F4 Brazilian Championship (2022)
- P4 – Formula Regional European Championship (2025)
Pedro Clerot makes his F3 debut with Rodin Motorsport in 2026 after climbing steadily through the junior ranks. The Brazilian was the 2022 F4 Brazilian Champion and, after moving to Europe, demonstrated his development across F4 Spanish and Formula Regional competition. In 2025, he enjoyed a strong Formula Regional European Championship campaign, finishing fourth overall with two wins, three poles and multiple podiums — showcasing both qualifying speed and racecraft. Clerot is regarded for his composure, technical feedback and race intelligence. In his rookie F3 season, he will aim for consistent points scoring and to establish himself as one of the drivers to watch on the grid.
#18: Brando Badoer
Seasons in F3: 2025 (PREMA Racing – P25)
Nationality: Italy
Affiliation: None (formerly McLaren Driver Development Programme in 2025, though optioned in 2024)
Notable accolades: P4 – Formula Regional Middle East Championship (2025)
Brando Badoer returns to the F3 Championship in 2026 with Rodin Motorsport for his sophomore season. The Italian made his F3 debut in 2025 with Prema, where he faced a difficult campaign but showed glimpses of potential, including a P6 finish in the Budapest Sprint Race. Badoer also impressed in Formula Regional machinery, finishing fourth in the Formula Regional Middle East Championship and fifth in the Formula Regional European Championship with multiple podiums. Known for his smooth driving style and racecraft, he aims to leverage his experience to deliver more consistent results in 2026 and contribute significantly to Rodin’s continued growth up the championship order.
#19: Christian Ho
Seasons in F3: 2025 (DAMS Lucas Oil – P22)
Nationality: Brazil
Affiliation: None
Notable accolades:
Christian Ho steps into his second F3 season with Rodin Motorsport following a debut campaign in 2025 with DAMS Lucas Oil. The Singaporean driver earned several points finishes last year, highlighted by a career‑best P5 in the Silverstone Feature Race, and became the first Singaporean to compete full‑time in F3. Before his F3 move, Ho enjoyed strong success in junior categories, including winning the 2024 Eurocup‑3 title with six victories. Known for his raw speed and adaptability, Ho enters 2026 with a solid technical foundation and the experience to begin converting single‑lap potential into regular points and occasional podium finishes.
PREMA Racing
PREMA Racing enters the 2026 F3 season determined to reassert its authority after a bruising 2025 campaign. For the first time in the modern F3 era, the Italian outfit failed to win a race, a stark contrast to its five Teams’ Championships in six years. However, signs of recovery emerged late last season, particularly through improved qualifying pace and cleaner race execution. As a result, PREMA approaches 2026 with renewed confidence and sharper focus. Moreover, the team has clearly identified and addressed the weaknesses that derailed its previous campaign. With a refreshed driver line-up blending experience and momentum, PREMA aims to return to the front immediately. Therefore, a top-five Teams’ finish represents the minimum expectation, while a renewed title challenge remains the ultimate objective as the season unfolds.
#20: Louis Sharp
Seasons in F3: 2025 (Rodin Motorsport – P26)
Nationality: New Zealand, United Kingdom
Affiliation: None
Notable accolades:
- P4 – F4 British Championship (2022)
- P1 – Formula 4 UAE Championship – Trophy Round (2022)
- P1 – F4 British Championship (2023)
- P1 – GB3 Championship (2024)
- P3 – Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (2025); P1 in Tasman Series
Louis Sharp enters his second F3 season eager to reset after a difficult rookie year. Despite his struggles in 2025, the New Zealander arrives at PREMA with an impressive junior résumé, having claimed both the British F4 and GB3 titles in consecutive seasons. Therefore, his underlying pace and adaptability remain unquestionable. Importantly, PREMA provides Sharp with a proven environment in which to rebuild confidence and rediscover form. Additionally, his strong winter performances in Formula Regional Oceania underline his determination to respond. If Sharp translates his single-lap speed into consistent race execution, he has the potential to make a significant step forward in 2026.
#21: James Wharton
Seasons in F3: 2025 (ART Grand Prix – P18)
Nationality: Australia
Affiliation: None (formerly Ferrari Driver Academy from 2021 to 2023)
Notable accolades:
- P1 – Formula 4 UAE Championship (2023)
- P4 – Italian F4 Championship (2023)
- P2 – Euro 4 Championship (2023)
- P2 – Formula Regional European Championship (2024)
James Wharton returns to PREMA Racing for his second F3 season, bringing both familiarity and unfinished business. After a challenging rookie year with ART Grand Prix, the Australian showed flashes of quality, most notably with a commanding Sprint Race victory at Spielberg. Crucially, Wharton has enjoyed significant success with PREMA in the past, including a runner-up finish in the 2024 Formula Regional European Championship. As a result, this reunion offers the ideal platform for progress. Furthermore, his growing confidence and refined racecraft should allow him to convert consistency into results. If Wharton sharpens his qualifying performances, he can emerge as a genuine contender throughout the 2026 campaign.
#22: José Garfias
Seasons in F3: None
Featured in: 2025 Barcelona F3 Round
Nationality: Mexico
Affiliation: None
Notable accolades:
- P3 – Fórmula México (2019)
- P4 – NACAM Formula 4 Championship (2019-20)
- P4 – Eurocup-3 (2024)
- P4 – Euroformula Open Championship (2025)
José Garfias completes PREMA’s 2026 line-up as he makes his first full-time step into F3. The Mexican arrives with strong momentum after an impressive Euroformula Open campaign, where he demonstrated race-winning pace and consistency. Moreover, Garfias has already sampled F3 machinery through a one-off appearance in 2025, which should ease his transition. His varied European experience has strengthened his racecraft and adaptability, qualities PREMA values highly. Consequently, expectations will centre on steady progression rather than immediate headline results. Nevertheless, if Garfias adapts quickly, he could become an increasingly competitive force as the season develops.
Hitech
Hitech heads into the 2026 F3 season aiming to convert raw speed into consistent results. Although the team finished eighth in 2025, that position masked genuine competitiveness, as Hitech continued its record of securing at least one race win every F3 season since 2019. Moreover, victories in Monaco and Spielberg underlined the squad’s ability to fight at the front. However, inconsistency ultimately prevented a stronger championship challenge. As a result, the focus for 2026 centres on execution across qualifying and race weekends. With a completely new driver line-up, Hitech blends proven junior success with international experience. Therefore, a return to the top five in the Teams’ Championship stands as a realistic and clear objective. If the team can turn flashes of brilliance into regular points hauls, Hitech can re-establish itself as a leading force in F3.
#23: Michael Shin
Seasons in F3: None
Nationality: South Korea
Affiliation: Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory Programme (Sportscars)
Notable accolades:
- P4 – Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship (2024)
- P3 – Euroformula Open (2025)
Michael Shin returns to F3 for his first full campaign with a wealth of experience behind him. Although he previously made a brief F3 appearance in 2023, his development since then has been significant. Notably, Shin enjoyed a breakthrough period in Euroformula Open, where he emerged as a race winner and championship contender. In addition, his success in Formula Regional Oceania highlighted improved consistency and confidence. As the first South Korean driver to compete full-time in F3, Shin carries both experience and expectation. Therefore, his priority will be translating his proven pace into regular points. A strong start could quickly establish him as a team leader.
However, Shin’s 2026 season got off to an unfortunate start after a shoulder injury forced him to miss pre-season testing in Barcelona. Tim Tramnitz replaced him.
#24: Fionn McLaughlin
Seasons in F3: None
Nationality: Ireland
Affiliation: Red Bull Junior Team
Notable accolades:
- P3 – Formula Winter Series (2025)
- P1 – F4 British Championship (2025)
Fionn McLaughlin makes his F3 debut after a meteoric rise through the junior ranks. The Irishman arrives as the reigning British F4 Champion, having won the title at his first attempt with Hitech. Consequently, he already understands the team’s environment and expectations. Moreover, his success in the Formula Winter Series demonstrated his adaptability and racecraft against experienced opposition. McLaughlin has continued his preparation in the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy, where he has delivered consistent points finishes. Therefore, expectations will focus on learning quickly while maintaining momentum. If he adapts smoothly to F3 machinery, McLaughlin has the potential to become one of the standout rookies of the 2026 season.
#25: Jin Nakamura
Seasons in F3: None
Nationality: Japan
Affiliation: TGR Driver Challenge Programme
Notable accolades:
- P4 – F4 Japanese Championship (2022)
- P2 – F4 Japanese Championship (2023)
- P4 – Super Formula Lights (2024)
- P1 – Super Taikyu – ST-2 (2024) – Team standings
- P4 – Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (2026)
Jin Nakamura steps up to F3 as one of the most versatile rookies on the 2026 grid. After finishing runner-up in Japanese F4, he broadened his experience across Super Formula Lights, Super GT, and Formula Regional competition. Consequently, he arrives with strong technical understanding and adaptability. His rookie FRECA campaign delivered a podium and valuable European mileage, which should ease his transition. Furthermore, early work with Hitech in the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy has already produced front-running results. If Nakamura continues to build confidence in qualifying, he can steadily develop into a consistent points scorer throughout the 2026 campaign.
AIX Racing
AIX Racing enter the 2026 F3 season looking to build on a clear upward trajectory established in just their second year in the championship. Formed from the acquisition of PHM Racing’s F2 and F3 operations, the UAE-based team showed rapid progress in 2025, achieving pole positions, regular points finishes, and fighting at the front on multiple occasions. While eighth in the Teams’ Standings did not fully reflect their competitiveness, standout qualifying performances and strong post-season testing underlined the potential within the organisation. With growing operational stability, improving race execution, and a more settled driver line-up, AIX are targeting a step forward in consistency and results. Surpassing their 52-point tally from 2025 and achieving their best-ever Teams’ Championship finish are realistic objectives as the team looks to establish itself as a regular points contender in F3.
#26: Brad Benavides
Seasons in F3: 2022 (Carlin – P23), 2025 (AIX Racing – P20)
Nationality: United States, Spain, Guatemala
Affiliation: None
Notable accolades: P1 – Euroformula Open Championship (2024)
Brad Benavides returns to AIX Racing for 2026 as the team’s most experienced F3 driver and a key reference point within the squad. After rebuilding his career by dominating the 2024 Euroformula Open Championship, the American showed clear progress during his return to F3 in 2025. Multiple pole positions at Spa and Monza highlighted his one-lap speed, while his Monza feature race performance demonstrated improved racecraft. Entering his first full season with AIX, Benavides will be aiming to convert qualifying pace into consistent points and podium finishes, playing a central role in the team’s push up the standings.
#27: Yevan David
Seasons in F3: None
Nationality: Sri Lanka
Affiliation: None
Notable accolades: P2 – Euroformula Open Championship (2025)
Yevan David arrives in F3 for 2026 following his strongest season to date, finishing runner-up in the 2025 Euroformula Open Championship. The Sri Lankan driver brings race-winning experience and momentum into his rookie F3 campaign, having also impressed in the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy against comparable competition. Born in London and raised in Singapore, David becomes the first Sri Lankan to compete in F3, marking a historic milestone. With strong qualifying speed and an aggressive but measured race style, he is expected to adapt quickly and contribute immediately as AIX Racing aim for their best season yet.
#28: Fernando Barrichello
Seasons in F3: None
Featured in: 2025 Monza F3 Round
Nationality: Brazil
Affiliation: None
Notable accolades: P3 – Euroformula Open Championship (2024)
Fernando Barrichello steps into his first full F3 campaign in 2026 following steady development in Euroformula Open, where he finished third overall in 2024. The Brazilian gained valuable F3 experience during the 2025 Monza finale with AIX Racing, allowing him to familiarise himself with the team and championship format ahead of his rookie season. Known for his smooth driving style and technical feedback, Barrichello enters the year with growing confidence and a solid foundation. With experienced teammates alongside him, he will be focused on consistency, progression, and establishing himself as a regular points finisher.
DAMS Lucas Oil
DAMS Lucas Oil head into the 2026 F3 season aiming to turn a foundational debut year into tangible progress. After entering the championship for the first time in 2025, the French squad spent much of the season building knowledge of the F3 car, tyre behaviour, and weekend execution. While results were limited, the year provided valuable data and operational clarity, giving DAMS a far stronger baseline heading into their second campaign. With greater familiarity across engineering, strategy, and race management, the team will target improved consistency and regular points finishes. Organisational refinements made off the back of lessons learned in 2025 are expected to strengthen their competitiveness. With a line-up combining continuity, rookie potential, and second-year experience, DAMS approach 2026 focused on consolidation, discipline, and steady progression up the order.
#29: Nicola Lacorte
Seasons in F3: 2025 (DAMS Lucas Oil – P33)
Nationality: France
Affiliation: Alpine Academy
Nicola Lacorte returns to DAMS Lucas Oil for his second F3 season, bringing valuable continuity after a challenging rookie campaign. The Alpine Academy driver endured a difficult 2025 marked by penalties and incidents, but showed signs of progress in the latter stages of the year, particularly with a strong recovery drive at Silverstone. Entering 2026, Lacorte benefits from a full season of experience with both the F3 machinery and the DAMS environment. The Italian’s focus will be on improved discipline, consistency, and race execution as he looks to translate his underlying pace into points finishes and take a clear step forward.
#30: Nandhavud Bhirombhakdi
Seasons in F3: None
Nationality: Thailand
Affiliation: None
Nandhavud “Jem” Bhirombhakdi makes his F3 debut with DAMS Lucas Oil after two seasons in the Formula Regional European Championship. The Thai driver arrives with solid experience at a high level and has already completed extensive post-season testing with the team at Jerez, Barcelona, and Imola. Those sessions should ease his transition into F3 machinery and race formats. With a returning teammate alongside him, Bhirombhakdi will be able to measure his progress against an established benchmark. His rookie campaign will centre on adaptation, consistency, and steady development as he works towards regular points contention.
#31: Gerrard Xie
Seasons in F3: 2025 (Hitech TGR – P29)
Nationality: China
Affiliation: None
Notable accolades:
- P1 – Formula Renault Super Challenge (2022)
- P1 – F4 Chinese Championship (2022)
- P2 – Macau Grand Prix (2022)
Gerrard Xie joins DAMS Lucas Oil for his second F3 season after a learning year with Hitech TGR in 2025. A multiple champion at junior level, including titles in Chinese F4 and Formula Renault, the Chinese driver showed encouraging signs late last season, particularly with strong qualifying pace and effective recovery drives. His best weekend came in Hungary, where he scored his first F3 point. Now armed with a full year of experience, Xie will be aiming to unlock more consistent performance in 2026. DAMS’ structured environment offers an opportunity for him to convert potential into results.
Conclusion
The 2026 FIA F3 Championship promises one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory. With identical machinery and a global F1-support calendar, success will depend on execution, adaptability and consistency rather than resources.
Reigning forces such as Campos Racing and Trident set the benchmark, while MP Motorsport and PREMA Racing aim to translate momentum and pedigree into title challenges. At the same time, teams including Van Amersfoort Racing, Hitech and Rodin Motorsport seek to build on recent progress, as ART Grand Prix, DAMS Lucas Oil and AIX Racing focus on longer-term growth and consolidation.
The grid blends elite rookies, academy-backed prospects and experienced second-year drivers, reinforcing F3’s role as the decisive proving ground before Formula 2. As a result, every session matters and margins remain minimal.
Ultimately, the 2026 season will not only crown new champions but also reveal the next generation of drivers ready to step closer to Formula 1.
