James Wharton’s rookie FIA Formula 3 campaign proved challenging. Although he claimed a Sprint Race victory in Austria, the Australian ultimately finished 18th in the Championship Standings. Now, after a formative debut season with ART Grand Prix, Wharton is excited to return to familiar territory as he rejoins Prema Racing for the 2026 F3 season.
Back in red: A familiar homecoming
Wharton spent the first three years of his single-seater career with Prema from 2022 to 2024. While his return marks his fourth season with the team, it will be his first F3 campaign under the Prema banner. With a full year of F3 experience behind him, he hopes to contribute more to the team and compete at the front.
Reflecting on the reunion, Wharton emphasised the excitement he felt when returning to Prema.
“I feel super motivated, and super pumped up to be back at PREMA, back in red.“
He explained that even the journey back to the factory reminded him of the team’s significance in his career.
“Going back to the factory a few weeks ago to start preparing for the tests, I could not get the smile of my face driving there. Now, it’s a drive and not a flight, so it’s good to be so close to PREMA, so close to the team.
Wharton also highlighted the value of pairing his growing F3 experience with the team’s strong form, and added that Prema’s momentum gives him confidence heading into 2026.
“It’s going to be my fourth season with PREMA, but first in F3. So hopefully my second season with that bit more experience I have, bringing it to the team, we can keep improving, on the driving and the team side as well. The team has been super competitive at the end of last year and we really have a lot of momentum going into 2026. So to join them, I can’t be happier and can’t wait for next year and Melbourne again.”
Comfort in the car: A key focus for 2026
Ahead of the new season, Wharton’s primary objective is to regain comfort and rhythm in the car—two factors he struggled with throughout 2025. His form varied across the campaign, and he aims to iron out those inconsistencies.
“I think the biggest thing is being comfortable in the car. All of 2025, I really struggled to be in a rhythm. Some weekends were better than others, and it was really up and down season for me.”
Looking ahead, Wharton intends to build consistency from the opening laps each weekend. He also underlined the importance of pushing hard earlier in the weekend to strengthen his Qualifying performance.
“But for me it’s about getting back into a rhythm, making sure that every weekend is consistent from FP. Starting the weekend on the right foot in FP, is probably the biggest thing.
“It’s definitely something I learned from 2025, that starting the weekend, from Lap 1 in FP is super important. Being as close to the limit as possible in FP will always help quali, so that’s the biggest thing I want to take into next year.”
A crucial season with Prema
Wharton and Prema have enjoyed strong success in the past, with several wins and podiums together. He believes the comfort and trust within the team will prove vital as he approaches what he describes as a pivotal season in his career.
Acknowledging the weight of expectation, Wharton did not shy away from the significance of the year ahead. He recognised that both his development and future opportunities hinge heavily on what he is able to deliver next season.
“For sure I am going into 2026 knowing that it is a make or break season for me. At the end of the day, this sport it doesn’t wait for you, you have to go out and win the race.”
With this mindset, Wharton approaches 2026 with a clear and ambitious target. His aim is to fight for the Championship, a goal that reflects both his confidence and the high standards he holds for himself and for Prema. At the same time, he remains grounded, aware that success will require significant work and refinement before the season begins.
The plan is to win the championship next year, but there is a lot of work that has to go on between now and then, because nothing changes if you don’t change something.”
As preparations intensify, Wharton stressed that the foundation for a strong season is built long before the first race weekend. From training to simulator sessions and building chemistry with engineers, every detail matters. He underlined this mindset as he discussed his focus going into 2026.
“So we need to make sure that I am doing the right things to start on the right foot in 2026.”
