FIA Formula 3 CEO Bruno Michel has reflected on two action-packed weekends in Monaco and Barcelona as the 2026 F3 championship battle continues to take shape.
After a lengthy break following the season opener in Melbourne, F3 returned at one of the calendar’s most demanding venues. Monaco placed a premium on Qualifying and track position, while Barcelona produced close racing, new season-best results and further movement in both championship standings.
Across the double-header, Gerrard Xie delivered a landmark victory for DAMS Lucas Oil, James Wharton helped PREMA Racing return to the top step, and Campos Racing strengthened its position at the head of both title fights. Meanwhile, Théophile Naël extended his strong Qualifying record and moved closer to Drivers’ Championship leader Ugo Ugochukwu.
F3 returns on the streets of Monte Carlo
First, Michel welcomed the championship’s return after the long pause between Melbourne and Monaco. The drivers and teams had spent several weeks away from competition before facing the immediate challenge of Monte Carlo’s narrow streets.
“It was really nice to see F3 back on track. The drivers and the teams have been missing the racing for a long time, so it was really good, and it’s always a very tricky track to come back to in Monaco, we know that.”
Although Monaco often limits overtaking opportunities, Qualifying created an intense contest. Drivers needed to build confidence with every lap while also finding clear space at the crucial moment.
“The races sometimes are a little bit of a procession in the streets of Monte Carlo, but on the other hand, Qualifying is absolutely key. We had great sessions of Quali for F3, and I think Pole Position was fought over until the very last minute.”
Furthermore, the session continued to evolve as fuel levels dropped and drivers gained more confidence. Therefore, the final runs carried even greater importance.
“The more you go around, the less fuel you have, and the faster you go, so it’s always at the very end of the session that you get the best laps, and it was really interesting, so congratulations to Théophile Nael in Formula 3, and Rafael Câmara in Formula 2.”
Naël ultimately secured F3 Pole Position and extended the one-lap form that would later define his double-header weekend.
Xie delivers a landmark victory for DAMS Lucas Oil
While Naël starred in Qualifying, Gerrard Xie produced one of the weekend’s most significant results in the races. The Chinese driver claimed DAMS Lucas Oil’s first Formula 3 podium and victory. In doing so, Xie also became the championship’s first Chinese race winner.
“DAMS had their first victory in Formula 3, first podium and first win, which is quite an accomplishment, especially to achieve this on such a demanding track. I’m really happy for Gerrard Xie, because he had a great race as well, and it’s good to see more teams on the podium, that’s for sure.”
However, Monaco still presented considerable danger, particularly during the opening lap. The field had to funnel through the narrow approach to Saint Devote, while drivers further back fought for limited track space.
“In Monaco, it’s always the same – you always cross your fingers for the first lap. Saint Devote is always very tricky, and then you have the mid-to-rear of the pack, all these drivers fighting for the same part of track at the same time, it’s always tricky.”
Clean racing despite Monaco Sprint Race incident
The Sprint Race also featured a collision involving Brad Benavides. As a result, Michel paused his sporting assessment to offer his support to the American driver during his recovery.
“In F3, there was a collision in the Sprint Race, and I hope that Brad Benavides is going to be okay in his recovery. I wish him all the best and I hope we see him very soon.”
Despite that incident, Michel praised the wider field for handling Monaco’s narrow layout with maturity. The drivers created action while largely avoiding repeated contact and disruption.
“But otherwise, the racing was extremely clean, and it’s a proof of quite good maturity of the field, because at the end of the day, those cars are very fast, they all want to prove themselves and make a difference, so that they can do such a clean race with quite a lot of action as well, speaks volumes.”
That disciplined performance gave the championship a strong foundation before the paddock travelled directly to Barcelona.
Campos Racing strengthens its title challenge
Once Formula 3 arrived in Spain, Campos Racing continued to establish itself as one of the championship’s leading teams.
The Spanish outfit left its home round at the top of both the Drivers’ and Teams’ Championships. Ugochukwu retained the lead in the drivers’ standings after another consistent weekend.
“I want to also congratulate Campos. At the moment, they lead both the F2 and F3 Championships with a few points over the others. Ugo Ugochukwu is leading the championship for the drivers, and he’s doing a great job, overall.”
At the same time, Naël converted his outstanding Qualifying form into victory in the Feature Race. After claiming his third consecutive Pole Position, the French driver finally transformed his front-row advantage into the maximum result.
“In Barcelona, Théophile Nael’s Feature Race was really, really good. He started from pole for the third time in a row, and he this time, he converted it into a race win. Barcelona’s Feature event was an amazing race.”
Consequently, Naël reduced Ugochukwu’s advantage and placed himself firmly in the championship fight.
PREMA Racing responds after a difficult start
While Campos maintained its momentum, PREMA Racing produced an important response after a challenging beginning to the season.
James Wharton won the Barcelona Sprint Race and gave the Italian team a much-needed breakthrough following difficult weekends in Melbourne and Monaco.
“PREMA had a very difficult beginning to the season, but in Barcelona they won the Sprint, which is a great way to bounce back, and give the team a timely boost. James Wharton’s race was strong. He needed this type of result after two difficult rounds in Melbourne and Monaco.”
Meanwhile, Campos and Van Amersfoort Racing continued to deliver consistently strong results. Campos arrived in Barcelona with the championship lead, while VAR had already placed drivers on the podium and in the points at every round.
“We can see that two teams are slightly ahead of the others at present. Campos was already leading coming to Barcelona, and they continue to do a fantastic job. Meanwhile VAR are getting their drivers on the podium and in the points at every round so far.”
Hiyu Yamakoshi also returned to the podium after suffering disappointment in Monaco. A technical infringement had cost the Japanese rookie the Sprint Race victory, but he responded with a strong Feature Race result in Spain.
“I’m glad to see rookie Hiyu Yamakoshi back on the podium in Barcelona Feature Race after the heartbreak of losing Monaco Sprint Race win following disqualification for a technical infringement.”
Therefore, Barcelona not only rewarded the established frontrunners but also allowed several teams and drivers to rebuild momentum.
Naël’s Qualifying record keeps the championship close
Three rounds into the season, Naël has established himself as the leading performer over one lap.
The Campos driver has claimed every Pole Position available so far. Moreover, his Barcelona Feature Race victory moved him closer to teammate Ugochukwu at the top of the standings.
“The F3 Championship is going to be very open, I feel, this season. So far, out of three Qualifying Sessions, Nael has claimed all three pole positions. With the Barcelona Feature victory, he’s now very close to Ugo in front, who is doing a very solid job as well.”
Beyond the leading pair, the rest of the top five also remain within striking distance. Michel therefore expects the competition to stay close as the teams continue to develop their packages.
“The current Top 5 remains very close, so it’s a very exciting championship so far, and we’ve seen very, very strong racing. I think most of the teams are doing a great job, so let’s continue like this.”
That competitive balance has already produced different winners, breakthrough performances and rapid shifts in momentum. Consequently, no driver or team has established a decisive advantage.
Austria and Silverstone begin a demanding summer run
Following the Monaco-Barcelona double-header, Formula 3 will take one weekend off before travelling to Austria. The paddock will then head directly to Silverstone for another pair of consecutive rounds.
“We had quite a long stretch between Melbourne and then Monaco, which was a bit frustrating for everybody, but now, after these back-to-back weekends, we have a weekend off and then it’s off to Austria and another back-to-back with Silverstone. Everybody will be quite busy until the summer break!”
The next phase of the season will test both pace and consistency. Campos will aim to defend its championship leads, while VAR will look to extend its run of podiums and points finishes.
At the same time, PREMA will attempt to build on Wharton’s Barcelona victory, and Naël will seek to preserve his unbeaten Qualifying record. With Ugochukwu still leading and the top five separated by a narrow margin, the double-header has set up an increasingly open fight heading into the summer.
