Following one of the longest breaks between rounds on the 2026 Formula 3 (F3) calendar, the championship resumes this weekend on the streets of Monte Carlo. For Campos Racing’s Théophile Naël, the F3 Monaco GP feels almost like the start of a new campaign.
Speaking to the media during the FIA Formula 3 virtual media roundtable ahead of the Monaco weekend, attended by Pit Debrief, the Frenchman expressed his excitement at returning to racing after nearly two months away from competition.
“For me, it’s been a very long time since Melbourne,” Naël admitted. “The feeling is like a restart of the season. I think it’s quite good because I have time to prepare physically and mentally as well. I’m really looking forward to the restart of the season.
“Now, the next weeks will be very busy. I’m really happy to restart the season. I’m looking forward to the Monaco Grand Prix.”
The in-season Spielberg test
The lengthy break between Australia and Monaco was punctuated by the in-season test at the Red Bull Ring, where teams gathered valuable data ahead of the European leg of the campaign. Naël explained that Campos Racing focused primarily on improving long-run performance while also using the test to regain rhythm after the extended hiatus.
“Well, for our side, the team did a really good job last year there,” he said. “So, yeah, we just tried to improve the car again for the long runs. As well, it was a good wake-up time for all of the drivers for the team.
“We have been struggling a bit for the test. But, I mean, the condition would be totally different, I expect, for the race. So, no doubt about the team. But, yeah, it’s been really good to test. It was quite, I think, a good testing with soft compound for the long runs.”
The F3 Monaco GP
With Monaco marking the beginning of a demanding run of European events for F3, including Barcelona the following weekend, momentum will become increasingly important. However, when asked by Pit Debrief about the momentum required, Naël believes the immediate priority is simply to score consistently and maximise opportunities across not only Monaco, but future F3 rounds.
“Well, I think, first of all, Monaco is very special because we are driving only one time per day,” he explained. “So, we have plenty of time to look at the data, how to improve the car for quali and then for the races.
“But, yeah, the most important would be to be in the points, in the top 12. So, I think if we manage to finish a lap, I have no doubt that we can be fighting for the top. But, yeah, like Maciej said, we only did one round, so still nine (sic.) rounds left. So, that’s it. But looking forward to it.”
As is often the case around the tight confines of Monte Carlo, qualifying is expected to play a decisive role. Naël acknowledged that timing and strategy could prove critical on Friday at the F3 Monaco GP.
“Yeah, you’re right. The timing will be the key for the quali in Monaco. So, I think we already have a clear plan about that, what to do and what not to do, how to anticipate if the other team are doing another sequence than us as well.
“So, yeah, let’s see how the practice is going as well. And maybe we can be a bit flexible on the plan for the quali.”
Reflecting on the 2026 Melbourne round
Despite showing promising pace in Melbourne and scoring points, Naël’s season opener was compromised by a penalty in the Feature Race for a false start that left him with only two championship points. Nevertheless, the Frenchman remains confident that he can quickly make up ground in the title battle.
“Yeah, I mean, I only have two points in the championship with the four, so I’m a bit late compared to them, I would say, but I have no doubt,” he said, referring to championship rivals Freddie Slater and Ugo Ugochukwu.
“Now we are going to do plenty of races in a row, so I think the key would be to stay in the points every race. Don’t push too much as well to avoid a mistake, and then I think we’ll see at the end of the season how it’s going.
“But I’m pretty sure that I can come back quite fast if I keep my momentum and if I just stay calm. Yeah, so let’s see.”
The impact of his 2025 Macau Grand Prix victory
When asked by Pit Debrief about the impact of his victory at the prestigious 2025 Macau Grand Prix, Naël believes it has provided valuable preparation for the unique challenge of Monaco’s street circuit.
“Yeah, I think it helped a lot,” he said. “To be honest, for me, when I did Macau, it was to prepare Monaco, so I wasn’t expecting to win there, let’s say. But at the end, I won and it was really helpful to prepare Monaco.“
Naël started in fourth place, but he went from third to first in a thrilling double pass on Enzo Deligny and Mari Boya late in the race. A safety car was brought out shortly after, allowing Naël to secure the Grand Prix victory. He also follows in team mate Ugo Ugochukwu’s footsteps, with the American winning the same race in 2024.
“So I think I’m quite comfortable between the walls, let’s see this weekend. But yeah, I’m looking forward. I really enjoyed driving into the streets of Monaco and Macau. So yeah, both tracks are really similar. So let’s see. But yeah, I’m super happy to get back into the city between the walls.“
Focusing on preparation for the F3 Monaco weekend
The transition from a long period without racing directly into the F3 Monaco GP presents a significant challenge for the entire grid, but Naël believes the recent test helped drivers shake off some rust.
“Yeah, I mean, we just had a massive break between Melbourne and Monaco. So to come straight to Monaco, I think it’s not going to be an easy test.
“But we went in Red Ring to have, let’s say, a wake-up test. So that wasn’t good, I think. But still, it’s very far to the Monaco track, especially with the soft compound, with the low mileage that you’re going to have this weekend as well.
“So I think the key would be to be straight, comfortable with the car. And yeah, then, like I said, I think we only have one session per day. So we have plenty of time to check data, videos for the quali on Friday.“
Ultimately, Naël expects precision rather than outright pace to determine success around the Principality.
“Well, for me, I think, like they said, most important will be to finish a clean lap, and I think if we finish a clean lap in Monaco with no mistakes, we are there for fighting for the top, you know? So, yeah, just no mistakes, stay calm, and that will be the key, I think, to success.”
