Ahead of the 2025 FIA Formula 3 Imola Round, AIX Racing have announced that James Hedley will join their F3 driver line-up, replacing Javier Sagrera. The Spaniard departs the series following two disappointing rounds. Hedley is set to contest the remainder of the season, joining forces with team-mates Nicola Marinangeli and Brad Benavides. Notably, Benavides himself took over the seat originally held by Nikita Bedrin earlier in the year.
A challenging F3 debut in Monte Carlo
The 2025 Imola Round will mark Hedley’s return to F3, with him having made his debut at the 2024 Monte Carlo Round, replacing Matías Zagazeta who had been recovering from appendicitis. Competing with Jenzer Motorsport, replaced by DAMS Lucas Oil for 2025, Hedley started from the back of the grid in both the Sprint and Feature Races after failing to set a time within the 107%-rule. Hedley ultimately finished the Sprint P20, with his debut race further marred by a five-second penalty for failing to stay above the minimum time delta during the Safety Car procedure. Sunday’s Feature Race brought similar disappointment with Hedley finishing P22.
A lengthy racing CV
Although his F3 debut proved challenging, Hedley brings a strong junior racing pedigree. He began his career in the 2017 Ginetta Junior Championship with Elite Motorsport. In 2018, he completed his first full season, finishing eighth overall, and won the Ginetta Junior Winter Championship. He went on to claim the 2019 Ginetta Junior Championship title.
This success earned him a move to the F4 British Championship, where he placed fifth in both the 2020 and 2021 seasons. He then graduated to the GB3 Championship, finishing sixth in his full 2023 campaign. However, his 2024 season was far less consistent. After contesting only 14 of the 24 scheduled races, he ended the year 15th in the standings with 151 points.
Hedley replaces Sagrera at AIX Racing
After an unsuccessful two-round stint in the 2025 Formula Regional Middle East Championship with Ackel GP, Hedley returns to F3, replacing Sagrera at AIX Racing for the remainder of the 2025 season. Speaking on his move to F3, the Briton described the opportunity as “an absolute dream come true.”
“It’s an absolute dream come true for me and something I never thought could happen,” he said. “I want to thank Ackel GP very very much and AIX Racing for putting their faith in me.”
Although Hedley faces a steep learning curve—especially with two rounds already completed—he remains determined to adapt quickly and produce competitive results.
“I am super excited to start getting used to the new car and working closely with the team to achieve some respectable results sooner rather than later.”
