Nicola Lacorte approaches the 2026 F3 campaign determined to transform experience into results with DAMS Lucas Oil. After a demanding rookie year in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, the Italian driver returns with DAMS Lucas Oil carrying renewed confidence, stronger technical understanding and a clear development roadmap.
His first season in F3 delivered a best finish of P15, yet the headline numbers tell only part of the story. Throughout 2025, Lacorte focused on adaptation — to the car, the tyre behaviour and the intensity of the championship weekend format. Over the winter, he and DAMS translated those lessons into structured simulator programmes, detailed data analysis and targeted on-track testing. The early signs of progress appeared during pre-season running in Barcelona, where he topped the timesheets on the afternoon of Day 3 with a 1:29.676.
Winter work transforms confidence as Lacorte prepares for 2026 F3 campaign with DAMS
Lacorte does not shy away from describing 2025 as challenging. However, he views that foundation year as essential preparation for what comes next. Rather than dwelling on frustrations, he and the team analysed weaknesses in detail. They evaluated set-up directions, driving inputs and tyre preparation techniques, ensuring that every session contributed to measurable improvement.
“I’m feeling very confident, to be honest,” said Lacorte. “I had a tough season in 2025, it was my first year with the team, but of course there has been a big progression over the winter. We’ve tested many things, and we’ve improved many others, so it can only get better, and I think it will. I hope it can be a good season for both me and the team.
On a personal level, Lacorte concentrated heavily on refining his driving style. He worked extensively in the simulator, replicating race scenarios and qualifying runs to sharpen his execution under pressure.
“Personally, I’ve worked a lot on my driving. I feel different from last year. I’m very confident that the team has done a great job too. We’ve worked a lot back in the simulator, and we’ve tested many things in the winter.
That collective effort has reshaped the atmosphere within the garage. Instead of uncertainty, Lacorte now speaks with assurance about the team’s potential.
“The confidence is there. We know we can achieve something special this year. I really think we will.”
Qualifying identified as decisive factor
When assessing what limited his results last season, Lacorte pointed directly to qualifying. In F3, grid position frequently determines the trajectory of the entire weekend, particularly given the condensed format and closely matched field.
“From last year to this year, one thing I discovered, and I already knew it, but I felt it’s the approach in quali.
He explained that F3 demands an entirely different mindset compared to previous categories such as F4 or Formula Regional. The minimal number of laps available forces drivers to reach peak performance almost immediately.
“It’s very different from any other category, especially F4 or FREC to F3, you get to do very few laps. I think it’s something very important because it’s probably 70% of your weekend. You have to be on it in quali with very little track time.”
By focusing on tyre preparation, out-lap execution and mental readiness, Lacorte believes he can unlock stronger starting positions — and therefore stronger race opportunities — across 2026.
Lacorte adopts a new mindset, building step-by-step to 2026 F3 success with DAMS
Beyond technical development, Lacorte has also reshaped his psychological approach. Instead of concentrating on championship outcomes or distant ambitions, he now prioritises incremental progress. He structures each race weekend around small, controllable objectives. That method allows him to remain present and composed rather than distracted by long-term targets.
“It’s also one thing I’ve developed, and that’s not to think too much of the final goal,” said Lacorte. “It can confuse you a little. I want to work on the little things, one by one. Work on this lap, then work on the other. Then work on quali after practice, then think about the race, then the next weekend. It’s just building everything step by step.
Lacorte believes this systematic approach will naturally generate improved results over time, particularly in a championship where consistency often proves decisive. At the same time, however, he deliberately avoids placing pressure on himself by focusing excessively on end-of-season standings.
“I think good results are going to come if you work this way. One thing about myself that I’ve changed is my way of thinking and setting goals. I believe that setting little goals will help me achieve bigger things. But I don’t want to go too deep in those bigger goals. I think they’re just going to come by themselves.”
With strengthened confidence, refined qualifying focus and a disciplined step-by-step mentality, Lacorte now begins his 2026 F3 season intent on turning winter development into a meaningful breakthrough with DAMS.
