Jin Nakamura enters the 2026 F3 Championship season determined to turn promising pace into consistent results with Hitech TGR. After a year of adaptation in European racing and a productive winter campaign, the Japanese driver believes he and his team have built a strong platform for success in F3. Having progressed through domestic competition in Japan before stepping onto the international stage, Nakamura now approaches his first full F3 season with renewed confidence and clear objectives.
Nakamura embracing step up to F3 with Hitech in 2026
Nakamura moved to Europe in 2025 and secured podium finishes in both the Formula Regional European Championship and the Formula Regional Middle East Championship. Before that, he spent three seasons competing in Japan, steadily sharpening his racecraft. As he prepares for F3, he reflected on how rapidly his career trajectory has evolved.
“I’m quite grateful for this opportunity,” said Nakamura. “I couldn’t have expected this kind of opportunity two years ago. It was only just a year and a half ago that I got the opportunity to try European racing. So, last year was quite a learning year, I’d say, and I couldn’t get the best results. But, I had quite strong pace for the whole season. It was quite a positive thing, and I think it’s going to help for this season.”
Importantly, Nakamura strengthened his relationship with Hitech during the three post-season tests last year. He then continued working with the team throughout the winter, including a campaign in the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy. That continuity allowed him to refine his approach both on and off the circuit ahead of his F3 campaign.
“They have quite a nice team in the factory,” said Nakamura of Hitech. “I have already spent a lot of time in there. I spent a lot of time with the Hitech engineers and my engineer for Formula 3 as well.
“So it’s quite a nice environment for this season. I’m developing my driving as well with them, doing a lot work in the winter. Also, I did New Zealand as well. So, it has been quite a good winter preparing for this year. I got confidence back in New Zealand. I showed quite nice pace at times. It is going very well.”
Confidence boost in competitive New Zealand campaign
During his time in New Zealand, the 20-year-old secured six podium finishes and claimed fourth in the standings. He finished behind fellow 2026 F3 drivers Ugo Ugochukwu, Freddie Slater and Louis Sharp, gaining valuable experience against direct rivals ahead of the F3 season.
“New Zealand was quite competitive,” said Nakamura. “So many quick and famous drivers like Ugo, Freddie, Ernesto Rivera, and Fionn McLaughlin as well. I know everyone is quite a good driver in Formula 3, and while we were not actually in the same team, I was Hitech, Ugo and Freddie were M2, but the maintenance was exactly the same team.
“We were in the same paddock when we are off the track. We could look at their data as well, not only Hitech, it was a good thing and it was quite a nice experience. I’ve never been to those kinds of tracks, so, it was quite a nice training. I got quite a lot of confidence from it.”
Nakamura focused on converting speed into results in 2026 F3 campaign with Hitech
Despite his strong winter, Nakamura keeps his focus on continuous improvement as he prepares for F3. He recognises that translating pace into points will define his 2026 campaign.
“I have some goals,” said Nakamura previewing 2026. “But I know I have to do a second step. I have a few steps to take. But, I want to focus on just my driving and how I can improve. So, that’s the biggest thing. I think we have speed. I have speed. But what’s important is just how I can go about getting good results.”
With momentum from a confidence-building winter and sustained collaboration with Hitech, Nakamura now shifts his full attention to delivering consistent performances in F3.
