In a 2025 season marked by intense competition and relentless travel, Portuguese driver Ivan Domingues has experienced both the thrill of victory and the challenge of maintaining performance in the demanding world of FIA F3. The 19-year-old, driving for Van Amersfoort Racing, made history earlier this year by becoming the first Portuguese driver to win an FIA Formula 3 race, claiming the sprint victory in Barcelona.
While that high point showcased his potential, Domingues’ rookie campaign has also tested his endurance. He currently sits 19th in the standings with 18 points, having scored in just one of the nine rounds so far. With the finale at Monza on the horizon, Domingues reflected on the physical and mental toll of the season — and how he stays grounded away from the track.
The hidden fatigue of race weekends
For fans watching from the outside, a race weekend might look like bursts of activity punctuated by rest. But Domingues, in an exclusive interview with Pit Debrief, was quick to point out that the F3 schedule, especially during events like the Imola-Monaco-Spain triple header earlier in 2025, can be far more exhausting than it appears.
“In the after weekend, even though we don’t drive much, it feels quite tiring, especially because we drive so early. Like in Monaco, we were waking up at 4 in the morning to be in the car ready at 6.30 with the helmet,” he explained.
It’s not just the physical act of driving that wears a driver down — the stress and structure of the weekend itself take their toll.
“So even though we don’t drive much, the stress is very high. And yeah, the schedules can tire ourselves quite a lot. So yeah, when I went back home, I just rested a bit, took a few days without doing much, even though I have a problem when I go back home, I cannot sleep. So I still wake up super early, even though I go to sleep at whatever time.”
Recovery through rest and routine
After such intense travel and competition, Domingues focuses on easing back into physical training rather than immediately ramping up again.
“So yeah, I just take everything easy, the training in the first week or so is a bit easier, just like recovery training, just sleep well, eat well, and yeah, chill a bit,” he said.
This measured approach ensures he can recharge without losing the rhythm of his preparation. Like many drivers, he understands that burnout can creep in quietly if recovery is not taken seriously — a lesson particularly relevant in a calendar that offers little breathing space between events.
Historic high in Barcelona
The highlight of Domingues’ 2025 F3 season — and perhaps his career so far — came in Barcelona, where he not only secured his first points F3 but also made Portuguese motorsport history. His Sprint Race victory was a composed and confident performance, followed by a strong sixth-place finish in the Feature Race.
Unfortunately, consistency has been harder to find. Domingues has failed to score in the other eight rounds of the 2025 F3 Championship so far, leaving him near the bottom of the standings. Still, his Barcelona weekend proved he has the skill to compete at this level, and with Monza still to come, there remains one more chance to add to his tally in 2025.
Life beyond the cockpit
For Domingues, life as a racing driver is more than just the time spent on track. Maintaining a strong sense of identity beyond motorsport is essential for keeping perspective and avoiding mental fatigue.
“Okay. So yeah, as I said, I spend some time with my family and friends. So I live in the same place. I’ve lived all my life. My friends that start school with me at five years old are still the same friends. And yeah, I do some activities outside of racing, like playing tennis, surfing, padel sometimes,” he said.
These lifelong friendships and hobbies offer a grounding counterbalance to the pressures of a competitive series like F3.
The athlete’s competitive spirit
Even when he’s away from the track, Domingues admits he thrives on competition.
“And yeah, I just like to, as an athlete, I like to compete. I like to do all kinds of sports outside of racing and to compete with my friends that I know ever since I’m five years old. It’s always a good thing to get my mind off of racing and just have some fun at the same time.”
This drive to win — whether in a kart, a car, or on a tennis court — is part of what fuels his determination to succeed in motorsport.
Looking ahead to Monza
The final round at Monza presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the Van Amersfoort Racing driver. Known as the “Temple of Speed”, the Italian circuit rewards precision, slipstreaming skills, and decisive overtaking — qualities Domingues has already demonstrated in his 2025 F3 Barcelona triumph. While the championship standings may not fully reflect his potential, a strong result in Italy would be the perfect way to close out his rookie season.
Whether he is competing in the high-pressure environment of F3 or enjoying a casual match of tennis with old friends, Domingues’ approach remains the same: stay focused, stay grounded, and keep competing.
A season of lessons
Domingues’ 2025 F3 campaign has been a reminder that success in motorsport is measured in more than points alone. The experience gained from travelling the world, competing against the best young drivers, and managing the intense physical and mental demands of the sport will serve him well in the seasons to come.
While his Barcelona victory was a historic moment for Portuguese motorsport, the quieter lessons — about recovery, balance, and resilience — may prove just as valuable for the future.
