Ernesto Rivera delivered an impressive performance in his first FIA Formula 3 Qualifying session around the demanding streets of Monte Carlo, securing a top-five starting position for Sunday’s 2026 F3 Feature Race.
The Campos Racing driver adapted quickly to one of motorsport’s most challenging circuits despite entering Qualifying in an F3 car for the first time. Rivera finished third in his group, placing himself firmly in contention for a strong result during the weekend’s headline race.
Although satisfied with the outcome, the Mexican teenager believed he left additional time on the table during his final flying lap. Even so, his performance demonstrated both speed and composure on a circuit that often punishes inexperience.
Small mistake costs potential top-three grid spot
Rivera revealed that he approached the opening phase of the session with caution as he familiarised himself with the conditions and the demands of Monaco in Qualifying. Once he built confidence, however, he increased his commitment and pushed much harder during the closing laps.
“The first two push laps, honestly, I took it a bit easy,” he explained to Formula 3 in the paddock after the session. “And then for the last two push laps, I just wanted to send it. But I made a couple of mistakes, especially on my last push.
The young driver felt that the final run contained enough pace to challenge for an even stronger starting position. A small error ultimately proved costly in such a closely contested session.
“I was only five-hundredths off Slater, which would have put me P3 on the grid. So yeah, good Quali overall, but I could have done a bit better.”
Despite missing out on a top-three grid position, Rivera emerged from the session encouraged by his pace and confident about what could be achieved during the remainder of the weekend.
Campos continues strong form
Rivera’s result also underlined Campos Racing’s impressive form. All three of the team’s drivers secured positions inside the top five, highlighting both the strength of the package and the effectiveness of the team’s preparation around the famous street circuit.
As a result, the Spanish outfit continued the momentum it has built during the opening stages of the 2026 campaign. For Rivera, meanwhile, the performance provided further evidence that he could compete at the front despite his relative lack of experience in Formula 3.
Rivera on keeping it clean around Monaco in 2026 F3 Qualifying
Monaco often rewards precision and punishes mistakes, making a clean Qualifying session a significant achievement. Rivera acknowledged that he made a minor error while pushing for a faster lap, but he took comfort from the fact that the mistake had limited consequences.
Reflecting on the moment, he admitted that his desire to extract every last fraction of a second may have contributed to the error.
“I think that just came from maybe pushing a bit too much. But, mistakes happen, it was good that it was a small mistake, not like putting it in the wall or losing too much time.
Fortunately for Rivera, the issue did not derail his session and allowed him to maintain a strong grid position.
“These kinds of mistakes are not too costly. Other than that, the session was quite clean. I didn’t have any traffic. Traffic management was very good with my engineer.
Beyond the minor error, Rivera praised the work done by his team throughout the session, particularly in managing track position and avoiding traffic. He also revealed that any pre-session nerves quickly disappeared once he got behind the wheel.
“I was a bit nervous going into the session, but as soon as I got into the car and started driving, there was no time to be nervous, you are just super focused.”
That ability to channel nerves into concentration proved valuable on a circuit where complete focus remains essential from start to finish.
Enjoying the Monaco experience
While Monaco presents one of the toughest challenges in junior single-seater racing, Rivera thoroughly enjoyed the experience. As his confidence increased throughout the session, so too did his determination to attack the circuit and maximise his performance.
Recalling his mindset before his final attempt, he explained how he prepared himself for one last all-out effort.
“It was so fun, especially the last push lap. In my cooldown before the last push, I was thinking I’m going to send it.
The intensity of driving around Monaco left a strong impression on the 17-year-old, who described the unique level of concentration required compared to other circuits on the calendar.
“The adrenaline is so high, the concentration is so high because at other tracks, you have a bit of time to relax on the straight and you have a lot of space. Here, it’s turn by turn. You are super focused. It’s such a good feeling.”
His enthusiasm reflected both his enjoyment of the challenge and his growing confidence at one of the most iconic venues in motorsport.
Rivera outlines Monaco podium ambitions for Sunday’s F3 Feature Race
With Qualifying complete, Rivera has already turned his attention towards the Sprint Race and Sunday’s Feature Race. Starting from the third row places him in a promising position, and he believes opportunities could arise if he remains close to the drivers ahead.
At the same time, he intends to use the Sprint Race as a valuable learning opportunity, particularly when it comes to understanding how DRS could influence overtaking and race strategy around Monaco.
“Obviously, I don’t like to be the last driver of my team. But being close to them is good. I’ll try to learn as much as possible in the Sprint, see how the DRS can help, even if it’s not super powerful here.
Rivera knows that race-day circumstances can quickly change in Monaco, where mistakes, safety cars and strong starts often reshape the order. With that in mind, he remains optimistic about his chances of fighting for silverware.
“But I’ll learn as much as possible for Sunday and hopefully drivers ahead make a mistake or I have a good start and hopefully get a podium.”
Having adapted quickly to one of the toughest circuits in the world and secured a strong starting position, Rivera heads into the remainder of the weekend believing a podium finish is an achievable target.
