Kanato Le will step up to FIA F3 in 2026 with ART Grand Prix, marking a significant milestone in his career and the next step towards his ultimate goal: Formula 1. The Japanese driver is no stranger to European single-seater racing, having competed in British F4 and the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA). After racing with ART Grand Prix in FRECA throughout 2025, he now continues with a team he trusts and feels at home with.
An ‘unreal’ opportunity to race in F3
Since transitioning into cars in 2022, Le has travelled what he describes as a “long” road to reach F3. His promotion brings him closer to his Formula 1 dream, while the prospect of racing on Grand Prix weekends adds an extra layer of excitement. Reflecting on his achievement, Le shared how meaningful the step feels.
“I mean it’s quite unreal being able to race in F3 next year. It has been a long journey to get here, but then it’s one step closer to being in F1, and being able to race on the same weekends as F1 is amazing. I am really looking forward to it.”
Continuing with ART Grand Prix only strengthens his confidence heading into the new season. Le explained that their relationship, built over more than a year, offers comfort and stability at a time of major transition.
“Also racing with ART again next year, I know the team from FRECA this year, and we have a good relationship, so hopefully we can build on for next year.
He added that the familiar environment will allow him to direct his full attention to performance rather than adaptation.
“I think being in a team that I have worked with for over a year now, going into a new environment, new Championship, I don’t have to learn a new team. Being in the same environment, similar people, it feels like I am at home. So I can focus on just doing my best, and getting good results for the team as well.”
Testing aids Le’s transition from FRECA to F3
The step from FRECA to F3 is substantial, particularly when it comes to power, downforce and tyre characteristics. Le took part in six days of post-season F3 testing, which proved essential in helping him adjust to the significantly quicker machinery.
He recalled his early impressions if the car: “I think obviously it’s quite a big step from the FRECA car. So it took a bit to get used to it. Obviously, it’s super-fast, and it’s such a fun car to drive. I think throughout the six days I made really good progress, so I am really happy with the work I did with the team.
However, the biggest challenge was adapting to the tyres, which behave very differently to those used in FRECA. He noted the precision required to maximise performance in Qualifying.
“I definitely found the tyres the most different thing to adapt to. F3 has very peaky tyres, so you only get one push.”
He explained that this demands absolute concentration to extract the maximum from a single flying lap.
“In other Championships, you can have a few laps, and you can do some good times. But in this Championship, you have to do the lap in one push and you need really good concentration, and it demands a lot of focus. It’s hard, but it’s also quite fun. So I am looking forward to next year.”
A three-rookie F3 lineup for ART Grand Prix in 2026
In 2026, Le will race alongside fellow rookies Taito Kato and Maciej Gladysz. While he acknowledged that a trio of first-year drivers presents a challenge, he also expressed confidence in the group’s potential.
“I think three rookies in a team, it’s going to be a little difficult. Everyone is learning a new car, everyone does not have that much experience, but I think both of them, they are really good drivers.“
He believes their shared position as rookies will help foster open communication and effective data sharing.
“I think even though we are all rookies, we are able to share good data with each other and learn from each other.”
Although he admitted that having a more experienced teammate could have been beneficial, he remains optimistic about the pairing.
“Obviously, it would be good to have a second year, but with these two teammates, it works really well. I think as a driver I can grow quite a lot with them.”
Consistency key as Le targets the top
Looking ahead, Le has outlined clear objectives for his debut F3 season. Above all, he wants to achieve consistency, particularly in Qualifying—an area that frequently shapes race weekends in the championship. His aim is to remain inside the top 12 and score points regularly, while also fighting for standout results.
“Next year I want to be as consistent as possible. In Qualifying, I want to be top 12 in our races, and to be able to score points.”
Despite being a rookie, his ambitions extend beyond regular points.
“I think it would be really nice to get some podiums, and then be in a really great fight for some wins.”
