GB3 enters 2026 with a clear focus on refinement and progression. After introducing a new car and format in 2025, the championship now builds on that foundation with targeted improvements. As a result, teams and drivers face a faster, more consistent and more competitive environment.
At the same time, GB3 continues to strengthen its role as a key step on the single-seater ladder. With a mix of returning talent and new drivers stepping up from Formula 4, the championship promises another closely contested season.
New machinery and performance upgrades
GB3 continues with the Tatuus MSV GB3-025 chassis introduced last year, but engineers have implemented a significant upgrade package for 2026. Most notably, the car now features a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder naturally aspirated Mountune engine, which delivers a substantial increase in torque and improves acceleration out of corners.
In addition, teams benefit from aerodynamic refinements and chassis improvements. These updates enhance balance, responsiveness and overall drivability. Consequently, drivers can push harder with greater confidence, particularly in high-speed sections and traction zones.
The impact is already clear. Pre-season testing indicates lap time improvements of around two seconds on average, with some circuits showing even greater gains. At Silverstone, benchmark times have already fallen significantly compared to last year, which suggests that new lap records will fall throughout the season.
Overall, the updated package delivers a faster and more responsive car while maintaining the championship’s focus on driver development.
A look back at 2025
The 2025 season marked a major transition for GB3, introducing new machinery and a revised format. Despite those changes, the championship produced a clear standout performer.
Alex Ninovic secured the drivers’ title after maintaining a consistent lead throughout the campaign. He combined strong qualifying performances with race-winning pace, eventually clinching the championship before the final round.
Patrick Heuzenroder finished as runner-up after a competitive season, while Deagen Fairclough completed the top three and now returns as one of the leading contenders for 2026.
Notably, many front-running drivers have now moved on to higher categories, including Formula Regional and Eurocup-3. As a result, the 2026 grid introduces a new wave of talent alongside a handful of experienced returnees.
The 2026 GB3 calendar
GB3 maintains an eight-round calendar split between the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. This balance ensures a mix of familiar circuits and international exposure.
Race Calendar
- Round 1: Silverstone (25–26 April)
- Round 2: Spa-Francorchamps (30–31 May)
- Round 3: Hungaroring (4–5 July)
- Round 4: Red Bull Ring (11–12 July)
- Round 5: Silverstone (1–2 August)
- Round 6: Donington Park (5–6 September)
- Round 7: Brands Hatch (26–27 September)
- Round 8: Barcelona (7–8 November)
Notably, six of the eight rounds take place on current Formula 1 circuits. In addition, the season concludes later than usual with a November finale in Barcelona, which adds a unique challenge.
Format changes and race structure
GB3 retains the format introduced in 2025, but it refines key elements for greater consistency.
Each weekend includes:
- Two Qualifying sessions
- Three races
The grid formation works as follows:
- Qualifying 1 sets the grid for Race 1
- Qualifying 2 sets the grid for Race 2
- Race 3 uses a reversed top 12 from combined Qualifying results
For 2026, organisers introduce a key change which sees all races now run to 25 minutes only, without a lap limit
This approach ensures consistent race durations and removes variability caused by differing lap counts.
Points system explained
GB3 uses a detailed scoring system that rewards both finishing position and race progression.
Race 1 and Race 2 points
- 1st: 35 points
- Points awarded down to 20th place
Race 3 (reverse-grid) points
- 1st: 20 points
- Points awarded to top 15 drivers
- Additional points awarded for positions gained (up to 12)
This structure creates strategic variation across the weekend. Drivers must balance qualifying performance with overtaking ability, particularly in the reverse-grid race.
In the teams’ championship, only the top two drivers per team score points, which places emphasis on strong overall line-ups.
Additional sporting changes
New car numbering system
GB3 introduces a system based on the previous season’s team standings. As a result, the reigning champions receive the lowest numbers, while new teams receive numbers based on entry order.
Pit lane personnel limits
Each car can now have five operational staff members in the pit lane, including a designated controller. This change improves safety and helps manage costs.
Driver identification
To improve visibility, onboard cameras now use colour coding:
- Black – lowest-numbered car
- Yellow – second car
- Red – third car
Where to watch the 2026 GB3 Championship
Fans can watch all races live on the MSV TV YouTube channel, as well as on the championship’s Facebook page and website. Live timing is also available throughout each event, ensuring full coverage across practice, qualifying and races.
Teams and drivers in the 2026 GB3 Championship
The 2026 GB3 grid combines continuity with fresh opportunity. While seven teams return from last season, Arden Motorsport and Nitrous Competitions ADM Racing strengthen the field as new entrants. As a result, the championship features a broader competitive base and a wider range of experience levels.
At the same time, several front-runners from 2025 have moved on, which opens the door for returning drivers to step into leading roles. Meanwhile, a large intake of rookies from Formula 4 and other junior categories adds further unpredictability. Consequently, the competitive order remains difficult to define ahead of the opening round.
Rodin Motorsport
Rodin Motorsport enters the season as the benchmark after securing both the drivers’ and teams’ titles in 2025. The team combines experience with proven junior talent, which positions it strongly once again.
- Maxim Rehm (#1) – The German driver impressed immediately on his GB3 debut, securing a race win during his first weekend in the championship. He spent most of 2025 competing in Formula Winter Series and Italian F4, where he developed strong racecraft. He also gained additional experience in FR Middle East with Rodin, which strengthens his preparation. As a result, he enters 2026 with momentum and the potential to become a consistent front-runner.
- Martin Molnár (#2) – The Hungarian driver steps up after two competitive seasons in British F4. He claimed the rookie title in 2024 before finishing third overall in 2025 with multiple podiums and wins. His consistency and race management stand out as key strengths. Therefore, he arrives well-prepared for the step up and could quickly establish himself among the leading group.
- Abbi Pulling (#3) – The British driver continues with Rodin for another season, bringing valuable experience across multiple championships. As the 2024 F1 Academy champion, she has already proven her ability to compete at a high level. She also achieved a podium in GB3 last season, which marked a significant milestone. Consequently, she aims to build consistency and challenge regularly for top-five finishes.
Hitech
Hitech returns as one of the most competitive teams on the grid. After finishing as runners-up in the teams’ standings last year, the team now aims to reclaim its position at the top.
- Jin Nakamura (#4) – The Japanese driver combines GB3 with a Formula 3 campaign, which highlights his progression within the single-seater ladder. He has already demonstrated adaptability across multiple championships, including FR Europe and FR Oceania, where he secured several podiums. Therefore, despite a limited GB3 schedule, he remains capable of strong results whenever he competes.
- Yuhao Fu (#5) – The Chinese driver steps up after two seasons in British F4, where he showed gradual improvement. Although his results were inconsistent, he gained valuable race experience and demonstrated flashes of pace. He also competed in FR Middle East over the winter, which helps his transition. As a result, he will focus on development and consistency.
- Deagen Fairclough (#6) – One of the standout returnees, Fairclough finished third in the championship last year with multiple podiums and a race win. He previously dominated British F4, which underlines his potential. In pre-season testing, he has consistently run near the front. Therefore, he enters 2026 as one of the leading title contenders.
Xcel Motorsport
Xcel Motorsport continues to build on a strong debut season. The team quickly adapted to GB3 in 2025 and now aims to challenge more consistently at the front.
- Lucas Fluxá (#7) – The Spanish driver returns for his second season after securing his first GB3 win last year. He showed strong progression throughout the campaign and gained further experience in endurance racing. Consequently, he enters 2026 with improved confidence and aims to fight regularly for podiums.
- Rowan Campbell-Pilling (#8) – The British driver steps up after competing in British F4 and Formula Trophy. He demonstrated solid pace and achieved race wins, which highlights his potential. However, he now faces a step up in competition and will focus on adapting quickly to the increased demands of GB3.
- Ricardo Baptista (#9) – The Brazilian driver brings a wide range of experience from multiple championships, including Brazilian F4 and Euroformula Open. He secured a race win in his domestic series and gained further mileage internationally. As a result, he enters the season with a strong foundation but must adapt to European competition.
Hillspeed
Hillspeed transitions to a full-time three-car line-up after running multiple part-time entries last season. The team now focuses on consistency and long-term development.
- Dante Vinci (#10) – The Australian driver steps up after competing in Italian F4 and E4. He showed steady improvement and gained valuable experience in competitive fields. Therefore, he aims to build consistency as he adapts to a higher level.
- Peter Bouzinelos (#11) – The Australian driver returns to competitive racing after a significant period away following an accident. Prior to that, he competed in Spanish F4 and showed potential. As a result, his focus will be on regaining confidence and race sharpness.
- Aurelia Nobels (#12) – The Brazilian driver moves up from F1 Academy, where she secured a podium finish. She has also gained experience in F4 machinery across multiple series. Consequently, she enters GB3 aiming to continue her development and adapt to more powerful cars.
Elite Motorsport
Elite Motorsport continues its steady presence in the championship. The team combines experience with developing talent as it aims to improve its results.
- Kirill Kutskov (#17) – The driver steps up after competing in Italian F4 and other junior categories. He showed flashes of pace and secured strong results in regional competitions. Therefore, he will focus on adapting quickly to GB3 machinery.
- Flynn Jackes (#18) – The experienced driver returns after a full season in 2025. He achieved a best result of fourth and has shown strong pace in testing. As a result, he aims to convert that speed into consistent points finishes.
- Kyuho Lee (#19) – The South Korean driver steps up from Spanish F4, where he gained valuable experience. He has also competed in multiple winter series, which strengthens his preparation. Consequently, he focuses on development and consistency.
VRD Racing
VRD Racing continues to expand its presence in European racing with a strong and experienced line-up.
- Nikita Bedrin (#20) – The most experienced driver on the grid, Bedrin brings FIA F3 experience and multiple podium finishes. He has also competed successfully in Formula Regional. Therefore, he enters GB3 as a serious title contender.
- Patricio Gonzalez (#21) – The Mexican driver returns after partial appearances last season. He has competed in USF Juniors and USF2000, where he secured podiums. As a result, he aims to improve consistency in his first full campaign.
- Rodrigo Gonzalez (#22) – The older of the Gonzalez brothers joins for a full season after gaining experience last year. He has competed across multiple junior categories, which provides a solid foundation. Consequently, he focuses on steady progression.
Fortec Motorsport
Fortec Motorsport returns with a smaller but focused programme. The team aims to maximise results with a limited line-up.
- Alexandros Kattoulas (#23) – The British driver returns after a successful GB4 campaign, where he secured podiums and a race win. He also has prior GB3 experience, which gives him an advantage. Therefore, he aims to compete for strong results.
- Jack Taylor (#24) – The Australian driver steps up after two seasons in GB4, where he secured wins and podiums. He also gained experience in FR Oceania, which helps his transition. As a result, he focuses on adapting quickly.
Arden Motorsport
Arden returns as a standalone team and brings a mix of raw talent and developing drivers.
- Lewis Gilbert (#26) – The British driver makes a direct move from karting into GB3. He has achieved strong results in national karting competitions and completed extensive testing. Therefore, he faces a steep learning curve but brings clear potential.
- Leon Wilson (#27) – The British driver steps up after two seasons in GB4, where he secured multiple wins. He has steadily improved his results, which suggests strong development. Consequently, he aims to carry that momentum into GB3.
Nitrous Competitions ADM Racing
The new team enters GB3 with a developing programme and aims to establish itself within the championship.
- Jason Pribyl (#31) – The American driver returns after competing in GB4, where he secured a podium finish. He also has experience in Formula Ford, which supports his progression. As a result, he focuses on gaining experience and building consistency at this level.
Conclusion
GB3 2026 promises a highly competitive and dynamic season. Faster cars, refined regulations and a diverse grid all contribute to an exciting championship.
Moreover, the absence of last year’s frontrunners creates opportunities for new contenders to emerge. Therefore, the season could deliver unpredictable results and intense battles throughout.
Ultimately, GB3 continues to provide a crucial stepping stone for drivers aiming to progress through the single-seater ladder.
