Taito Kato enters his first FIA Formula 3 season determined to convert collective preparation into competitive performance with ART Grand Prix. After securing the 2024 French F4 title and progressing through Formula Regional, the 18-year-old now steps into one of the most tightly contested grids in junior single-seater racing. With two fellow rookies alongside him at ART, Kato approaches the 2026 F3 season with measured confidence.
During a pre-season press conference attended by Pit Debrief, he outlined how teamwork, communication and qualifying precision will define his campaign.
Kato emphasises teamwork as foundation for 2026 F3 rookie season at ART
The 2026 F3 season sees ART Grand Prix field an entirely new line-up comprising three rookies. Unlike several of their competitors, the French squad cannot rely on existing F3 race data from returning drivers. However, Kato does not view that as a disadvantage. Instead, Kato sees an opportunity for the ART trio to grow together and build a shared understanding as they improve round by round in the 2026 F3 championship.
Responding to a question from Pit Debrief, he stressed that collaboration will underpin ART’s development throughout the year. Without historical reference points within the driver line-up, open communication and honest feedback become critical.
“Yeah, I think with three drivers of the rookie years in ART, I think it’s working really [well] together with the three drivers because we don’t have any data in the Formula 3 with three drivers. So, I think we have to work quite well together. Then we will improve each round as well.”
Encouragingly, pre-season testing in Barcelona provided early reassurance that the foundation is competitive. All three drivers demonstrated promising pace, reinforcing confidence within the garage ahead of the opening round.
“But I think we have quite good confidence because [Thursday]’s test was obviously really good performance, three drivers. So, I think, yeah, we have good confidence for our main programme.”
Familiar partnership with Kanato Le adds stability
Kato also benefits from continuity alongside fellow Japanese driver Kanato Le. Their relationship, built during their previous season together in Formula Regional, offers both familiarity and stability in a high-pressure environment.
Although official team briefings take place in English, Kato highlighted the advantage of communicating in their shared native language when discussing finer technical details.
“Yeah, I think we have quite a good relationship with Kanato. For sure, obviously, we’re Japanese drivers, so conversations with him, we can do in Japanese. Yeah, sometimes team briefings use English, but some small details, like give me use of Japanese. So, I think [it] is quite good.”
Reflecting on their time together in 2025, he expressed confidence that their partnership will continue to strengthen ART’s internal dynamic throughout the season.
“Yeah, I think from the last year, I think we did really nice with the breakup, and then we did quite a good relationship with Kaneto. So, I think we can continue to like this for this year. So yeah, I’m still looking forward to this year again.”
Confidence replaces early pre-season doubts
Despite his composed demeanour, Kato admits he carried some uncertainty into pre-season testing. Entering F3 alongside two other rookies naturally raised questions about immediate competitiveness. He acknowledged those early concerns, explaining that before Barcelona he had questioned whether performance would meet expectations.
“Yeah, I think as Kanato and Maciej said, we don’t have any pressure for this year. To be honest, before the test in Barcelona, I was a bit worried about the performance because, as I said, we are three rookies, so I was a bit worried about the performance and power.”
However, strong pace during the test quickly dispelled those doubts. Confidence replaced anxiety as the team prepared for the 2026 F3 opener in Melbourne.
“But obviously the power was really nice during the test, so I think we have quite good confidence for Round 1. So yeah, I don’t have any pressure, so I’m just looking forward to it from now on.”
Qualifying precision the defining challenge in 2026 F3 championship for ART Grand Prix’s Kato
While optimism surrounds ART’s preparations, Kato remains realistic about the step up in competition. He identifies Qualifying as the most demanding aspect of F3, where margins remain exceptionally tight and small errors carry significant consequences.
With tenths of a second often separating the top ten, drivers must deliver near-flawless laps to secure strong starting positions.
“I think obviously Formula 3 category is really, really tight. We get high competition, especially in the Qualifying. Obviously, like, one-tenth in the top ten, so that means we have to put all together in the Qualifying. We can’t make any mistakes in the laps, so I think that is the most difficult thing, because if not inside the top 12, that weekend is quite difficult, I would say.”
Comparing the championship to Formula Regional, Kato emphasised that Qualifying carries even greater weight in F3, often shaping the trajectory of the entire weekend.
“So, I think I need to put all together in the Qualifying, so I think that is quite different things from the FRECA. For sure, FRECA [had] important things in the Qualifying, but more important things in Formula 3, I guess.”
As the 2026 F3 season approaches, Taito Kato positions himself at a pivotal stage in his career. Backed by strong early testing, a collaborative team environment and a calm mindset, he enters his rookie campaign intent on turning preparation into performance.
