Rafael Câmara sealed the 2025 FIA F3 Championship in spectacular style at the Hungarian GP, capping off a near-flawless season with a commanding lights-to-flag victory in the Feature Race. The 20-year-old Brazilian, driving for Trident, delivered a clinical performance under immense pressure, claiming the title ahead of the summer break and with the final round in Monza still to come.
Speaking to the media after the race, Câmara opened up on the intensity of the Budapest weekend, the mindset needed to perform under pressure, and the immense pride he felt in lifting his first major single-seater title.
Intensity and focus in Budapest
Heading into Round 9, the pressure was on Câmara to deliver. Although he held the advantage in the standings, he knew that any misstep could allow his rivals—particularly Mari Boya—to close the gap. That sense of urgency was evident from the moment the cars hit the track for Free Practice.
“It was a very intense weekend. Since FP, we knew we needed to be straight on the pace, and straight into a good mindset. I think we managed to do everything very well.”
Câmara entered Qualifying knowing that pole would be critical, especially at a circuit like the Hungaroring, where overtaking is notoriously difficult. It was far from a comfortable session, however, with the outcome hanging on the final lap.
“Quali was very stressful, especially on the last lap, but we had a good Sprint Race for the Championship and today it was a very good race.”
The pressure did not ease on Sunday. In the Feature Race, Boya mounted a serious challenge in the opening laps, applying relentless pressure into the first few corners. But Câmara kept his cool, absorbed the threat, and gradually built a gap.
“In the beginning, Mari was very close trying to get by into Turn 2. But in the end, we managed to keep a good distance. We managed the tyres, and we managed to do some good laps at the end.”
His composure under pressure would define the race—and the season.
Championship glory after an impressive rookie campaign
Câmara’s victory at the 2025 Hungarian GP clinched the 2025 F3 Drivers’ Championship, a culmination of months of focus, preparation, and unrelenting consistency. For the young Brazilian, the moment marked not just a personal milestone, but a team achievement.
“I am very happy. We won the Championship, so I am super happy with the job we did. Since the beginning of the Championship, we have been in a good place, in a good spot, and from then we always managed to keep the hard work intense and in good shape and always at a high level.”
He credited the team for maintaining that performance level across a challenging calendar, highlighting the importance of not becoming complacent.
“We never relaxed, but now we can relax, enjoy the moment and then everyone will go for a holidays. It will be nice to have the summer break, because we need it, but very happy.”
Despite the title being wrapped up, Câmara has no plans to take it easy when racing resumes in Monza.
“Now I will disconnect from racing, recharge and then when we come back for Monza. Even though we have won the Championship, I will try to do my best, and fight for another pole and victory.”
His focus now turns to the Teams’ Championship, which remains closely contested. With Trident in the hunt for the title, Câmara is eager to contribute one final big result.
“The Teams’ Championship is very close so I will try my best to help them, and hopefully we can bring that home.”
Performing under pressure to maximise consistency
If there was one trait that defined Câmara’s 2025 F3 campaign, it was his ability to handle pressure, which he again showed at the Hungarian GP. Time and again, he delivered when it mattered most. That mental resilience, he says, was key to unlocking consistent results in an ultra-competitive field.
“We are always under pressure because you can never do a lot of mistakes. Even when you make one it’s difficult to keep up the momentum. But you have to stay positive, even when things are going well, you are working well, working hard, and that’s what we did.”
His consistency across the year—whether managing races from the front or recovering from tricky grid positions—was a testament to that mindset.
“Sometimes the gap is closer, sometimes we had a bit of margin, but in the end, we managed to be consistent and it’s what we needed to do to win the Championship.”
Câmara also took personal satisfaction from how much he’s grown under pressure this season. Early in the year, he often found himself in the spotlight—but rather than buckle, he stepped up.
“I am also proud of myself that every time I was under pressure, at the beginning of the year, when there was pressure, I would perform well.”
That upward trajectory has left him more motivated than ever to continue improving.
“So, it’s good for me to see the improvements I am doing, it’s going to keep me motivated to keep going and I will try to keep going and come back stronger for Monza and also next year.”
Looking ahead to the Monza finale
As the paddock enters the summer break, Câmara can take a well-earned moment to breathe. The championship is his. The hard work has paid off. But in true racer fashion, he’s already thinking ahead—not just to Monza, but to what lies beyond in his blossoming career.
The 2025 season will be remembered for his control, maturity, and speed—but perhaps most of all, for his relentless drive to improve. And as he eyes a return to the cockpit in Italy, one thing is clear: Rafael Câmara is far from finished.
