Théophile Naël got his 2026 Monaco Grand Prix weekend off to the perfect start on Thursday, topping the opening Formula 3 (F3) Free Practice session around the iconic Monte Carlo street circuit.
The Campos Racing driver set a session-best lap of 1:25.794 to finish fastest ahead of TRIDENT’s Freddie Slater and team mate Ugo Ugochukwu. After returning to the paddock, he said he was pleased with both the result and the foundation laid ahead of Friday’s crucial Qualifying session.
“I’m super happy, P1, to start the weekend. Obviously, it’s super nice to start like that. I know that we can still improve the car a bit with some details, but I’m confident for tomorrow.
“I took it easy this morning, just building the pace lap after lap. He continued, “I think that will be the key tomorrow as well, not to rush too much, just take it easy, stay calm, and try to be as calm as possible. That will be the key to success tomorrow.”
Strong break period for Naël and Campos Racing
Naël remained among the frontrunners throughout the F3 Monaco GP Practice session and credited the extensive work carried out by both himself and Campos Racing during the lengthy break following the season opener in Melbourne.
The Spanish outfit also showed strong pace during last month’s in-season test at the Red Bull Ring, leaving the Frenchman optimistic heading into the battle for the all-important pole position around the Principality.
“To start the weekend like this, especially after three months off more or less, I’m very happy.
“It means that the work that we have been doing in that time off is paying off once again. Tomorrow will be super tight in the fight for pole, but like I said, a clean lap will be the key.”
Looking to replicate his Macau Grand Prix success
Naël arrives in Monaco with strong street-circuit credentials, having secured pole position around the famous Macau streets last year, and hopes he can replicate that success this weekend.
While keen not to get ahead of himself, the 18-year-old admitted he is feeling comfortable both on and off the track so far.
“I did pole in Macau as well, so I felt confident today,” he said. “I will try to take the same approach for tomorrow that I took in Macau. So, let’s see. Maybe street circuits are a big strength for me, I hope. We’ve just started the weekend, but I enjoy driving here in Monaco. It’s kind of a home race for me as well.
“The place is full of French people, so feeling really, really good. I have some friends here as well, my family, so I cannot complain at the moment.”
Looking ahead to Friday’s Qualifying session, Naël identified traffic management and tyre preparation as the biggest challenges drivers will face around the tight and unforgiving street circuit. Monaco is the only F3 circuit that splits the Qualifying groups in 2, allowing the drivers to have slightly more room between cars at the Principality.
“I think the toughest part is to be in sequence with the others, that will be a key tomorrow as well. Trying to get the tyres ready as well to be in the window at the same time, I think that will be the toughest part for tomorrow. But I think we have a clear idea of what to do and what to not do tomorrow.”
