Nicola Lacorte enters his second season in the FIA Formula 3 Championship determined to translate winter progress into on-track results with DAMS Lucas Oil. After a disappointing 2025 campaign, the 18-year-old Italian believes both he and the team have taken decisive steps forward. With experience across junior single-seaters and endurance racing, Lacorte approaches the new season focused on consistency, growth and competitive execution. During a pre-season press conference attended by Pit Debrief, Lacorte highlighted his progress and development ahead of the 2026 F3 season with DAMS Lucas Oil.
Lacorte highlights “big progression” after winter development with DAMS ahead of 2026 F3 campaign
Pre-season testing in Barcelona delivered early encouragement for DAMS Lucas Oil and its returning driver. Lacorte pointed to clear internal progress compared to the same stage last year and expressed confidence that the improvements have already translated into performance.
“So yeah, there was I think a big progression last year. The team has grown a lot. So yeah, for your question, there is a big change from last year’s test. And of course, by looking at the results over the last couple of days, we’re fairly happy and we’re looking forward to keep this trend into the season.”
The 2026 campaign marks DAMS’ second season in the FIA Formula 3 Championship. Rather than fuelling expectations with bold predictions, Lacorte has focused on steady growth. He believes the team has matured both operationally and technically over the winter break, placing it in a far stronger position to compete when the season opens in Melbourne.
He also dismissed suggestions that 2026 will function merely as another learning year while the team continues to establish itself in FIA Formula 3. Despite a disappointing F# debut season in 2025, Lacorte argues that the foundations built by DAMS during the off-season now provide a genuine platform for results.
“As I already said, I’m really happy with the steps made with the team in the winter. I’ve improved a lot, I believe. And so yeah, I’m really looking forward for this season and I’m sure we’re going to achieve great results.”
He enters the new campaign determined to convert winter progress into tangible performance. Armed with renewed confidence, expanded experience and a stable working environment, Nicola Lacorte aims to deliver clear, measurable progress in his second FIA Formula 3 season.
Independence at DAMS after departure from Alpine Academy
Though Lacorte remains at DAMS Lucas Oil for the 2026 F3 season, he will race in different colours, donning the team’s blue instead of Alpine’s pink. Though he previously formed part of the Alpine Academy earlier in his career, Lacorte has stated that he will compete independently in 2026. Discussing the support structures around him, Lacorte reflected candidly on his journey.
“Yes. So, the last couple of years, I’ve been in the Alpine F1 Academy, as you said. But especially the first year in FRECA, I didn’t feel great support. Then after stepping up to F3, I think they just care more because you get closer to F1 and I think the very little positive is that I had a really good driver advisor who was Julian Roos, also a former team principal. I think it was a really good support for me. It helped me a lot in the difficult moments.
While he acknowledged the value of experienced guidance, he made clear that his current structure suits him and his goals. With his own management and a settled environment at DAMS, he feels confident directing his own progression.
Apart from that, I think that I’m really good on my own. I have my own team, my own management, and it really works well for me. So, I’m really happy to be on my own in DAMS this year.”
F3 a critical development arena for upcoming talent
Alongside his single-seater commitments, Lacorte has expanded into endurance racing, including appearances in the IMSA SportsCar Championship and at the renowned 24 Hours of Daytona. Those experiences have strengthened his professional approach, but he remains clear about where the most intense development occurs.
In response to a question by Pit Debrief regarding his recent experiences and the transferable skills between endurance and single-seater racing, Lacorte replied: “First of all, I believe that the kind of racing we’re doing right now, so Formula 3, Formula 2, is the peak of racing after F1. And I think for the development of a driver is just whatever you need. And I think it’s more what I’ve learned in F3 that helped me in endurance. But doing experience, like racing for Ferrari in Daytona, has made me grow a lot as a driver professionally.
He regards Formula 3 and Formula 2 as the most effective platforms for refining technical skill and racecraft below Formula 1. While endurance racing broadens perspective and professionalism, he credits the junior ladder with shaping his competitive edge.
“But yeah, technically, I think that nothing can help you grow in junior formula like in F3 and F2.”
As the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship season approaches, Nicola Lacorte positions himself at a defining point in his development. Backed by broader racing experience and a strengthened internal structure, Lacorte approaches the campaign intent on turning progression into points.
