Tuukka Taponen’s Hungarian GP performance delivered his long-awaited breakthrough, securing third place in the Feature Race. The Finnish driver had been knocking on the door with fourth place finishes at Sakhir and Imola. Speaking after his F3 Hungarian GP podium finish, he expressed satisfaction with the breakthrough. He maintained his ambitious outlook for the remainder of the season.
“We had been struggling a bit all year but we have been a couple of times very close with fourth place on Sunday,” Taponen reflected. “Finally, we were able to get that third place, which is very good.”
Taponen acknowledged the progress both he and his team have made throughout 2025. “I am really happy with what the team has done to get this.” Yet, he was quick to emphasize that his ultimate goal remains victory rather than podium finishes.
“We have improved all year but still I am here to win,” he stated. “I want to improve and we need to work a bit harder for Monza to try to fight for the win properly and not for the podium only. This is the first step and the next step is to win.”
A lonely battle at the front
Despite Taponen’s Hungarian GP seeing him securing his maiden F3 podium, the race was somewhat uncomfortable for him. Running in third position for most of the 24 lap race, he found himself increasingly isolated. The wet conditions and safety car periods disrupted the rhythm, but Taponen held his position.
“It was quite lonely,” Taponen revealed. “Before the last six laps, I asked my engineer how many laps remaining because it started to feel like the cars behind were a bit quicker than me. They were much quicker than me, but I managed to hold the third place, but it was not easy in the end.“
The pressure from behind intensified in the closing stages of Taponen’s Hungarian GP. Charlie Wurz and Nikola Tsolov closed in on the podium positions. Tsolov had charged from 21st to 6th during the race, showing the pace available. Taponen and Wurz went side by side at one point, with both drivers sliding. However, Taponen came out on top and maintained his composure to secure third place.
Congratulating a fellow Ferrari Academy driver
As a Ferrari Driver Academy member, Taponen shares a connection with newly-crowned champion Rafael Câmara. Both drivers come through Ferrari’s young driver program. When asked about his fellow academy member’s title success, Taponen was gracious.
“I want to congratulate him. He has done a good job,” Taponen said. “They have been strong since the first race this year, they have been doing a good job. When you win a Championship, you have been the best, so for sure he has done a good job, together with the team.“
Câmara‘s dominant performance throughout 2025 saw him secure the title with a round to spare.
Looking ahead to Monza
The final round of the 2025 Formula 3 season is set for Monza in early September. Taponen and ART GP will have the summer break to analyze their Budapest performance. The Finnish driver’s first podium provides valuable momentum, but his sights are set on victory.
Taponen’s Hungarian GP result demonstrates that he and ART GP have found front-running pace. Whether they can convert that speed into a maiden victory at Monza remains to be seen. Taponen’s determination suggests he won’t be satisfied with anything less than fighting for the win.
