After running at the front and appearing set to secure his first pole position of the 2026 FIA Formula 3 (F3) season, Ugo Ugochukwu was denied in the final moments of qualifying at the 2026 Australian GP. Campos Racing teammate Théophile Naël delivered a late lap in the closing minute of the session to snatch pole, leaving Ugochukwu to settle for P2.
The American had looked competitive throughout the day at Albert Park Circuit, carrying strong pace from practice into qualifying. In Free Practice, he was nearly half a second ahead of P2, Brando Badoer, and appeared on course to convert that form into pole position before the final laps reshuffled the order.
Speaking in the FIA Formula 3 post-qualifying press conference for the Melbourne GP, attended by Pit Debrief, Ugochukwu admitted that while narrowly missing pole was frustrating, he was pleased with how the day unfolded and with Campos Racing locking out the front row for Sunday’s Feature Race.
“Yeah, it’s definitely been a good Friday here in Melbourne. Already from practise, pace has been strong, so going into quali we knew we’d be at the front. Yeah, of course a bit unfortunate to miss out on pole by such an near margin.”
“It’s always a bit frustrating, but P2 all in all is still a good result, and 1-2 for the team is really good. They really deserve it. Working hard all winter and we came out really punchy, so yeah, really perfect start to the season.”
Chaos during Qualifying
Ugochukwu also had a brief moment during 2026 F3 Australian GP Qualifying session where he ran across the grass at Turn 10, but he said the incident did not affect his focus.
“Yeah, it was quickly out of my mind, to be honest,” he explained. “But I think to do my best lap on the first lap is not really ideal in F3, so I think we know how much more there was in it.”
“We had a big gap in the first run, but yeah, I couldn’t quite maximise the next two. But yeah, that’s fine, we just focus on the races. P2 is still a good starting position and I’m looking forward to fighting for the win on Sunday.”
Starting from the front row gives Ugochukwu confidence heading into the F3 Feature Race, although he expects a tight battle at the front.
“Yeah, starting on the front row always helps, of course. We’ll see how our race phase is. We’ve been feeling pretty confident on that side as well, so I’m sure it’s going to be a close race between us three. Managing tyres the whole way, some DRS battles, and yeah, we’ll see how we get on at the end.”
Looking to claim as many points in the F3 Sprint Race
Before that, the Sprint Race will present a different challenge, with the Campos driver set to start further down the grid due to the reversed top-12 format.
“Yeah, a little bit like Theo said, the sprint race is usually quite chaotic with a bit slower cars in front.”
“So, I’m sure there’ll be lots of overtakes and I’ll do my best to go up the field, pick up as many points as possible, and at the same time, learn as much as possible for Sunday.”
When asked by Pit Debrief about his mindset heading into Saturday’s Sprint Race, the American added that his mindset doesn’t adjust too much, and that racing clean and earning as many points as possible is on the table.
“Yeah, I think, you know, mindset at the end of the day doesn’t change too much. Of course, you need to have a little bit different of an approach. Like I said, the feature race will probably be a bit more calm and a bit more action on Saturday.”
“So, yeah, try to stay out of the mess and, like I said before, try to pick up as many points as possible.”
Lessons learnt from CTFROT
Ugochukwu arrives in Melbourne in strong form after competing in the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship (CTFROT) earlier in the year, something he believes helped prepare him for the start of the Formula 3 campaign.
“Yeah, it’s been really good battles throughout January in New Zealand, it was definitely good fun,” he said. “It’s good to be, of course, back at the front here in F3 as well.”
When comparing the two machinery however, especially for the 2026 F3 Australian GP Qualifying session, Ugochukwu added that there were some small things that he had to change and adapt to.
“Of course, you need to adapt to the cars. The track’s a bit different. These tracks are definitely a lot faster, a lot wider. So, yeah, a few things need to change and be able to adapt to.”
“But, yeah, at the end of the day, it’s good to be fighting at the front. It gives you good confidence that you can be pushing at the front each and every race.”
Formula 3 pre-season preparation
Preparation during pre-season testing also played a key role in ensuring both he and the team arrived ready for the opening round.
“Yeah, I think, obviously, Barcelona pre-season testing was super important,” he said. “Getting back into the rhythm in F3 this year. I think the team has been working really well throughout those three days to just try to arrive as prepared as possible here in Melbourne. And I think we did a good job of that.”
“Of course, sim work, really important. Back at the workshop, me and Theo are pushing each other on the sim already weeks before the race. And, yeah, just keep learning about previous years. Looking back at, you know, what to avoid. What was the best strategy and all those stuff. It means that when you arrive here, you know, you can be prepared for every possible scenario.”
