F3 In 2026 So Far

With seven out of ten rounds completed in Formula 3 so far this year, the championship has been heating up. Here is everything you need to know about the competition so far. 

(Image credit to @fiaf3 on Instagram)

The 2026 campaign has been one of the closest championship battles the series has seen in many years. With multiple first-time winners and consistent point scorers, the championship leaders are leaving the title fight wide open for the final three rounds. The drivers have everything to play for.

Freddie Slater came into his 2026 campaign having raced at a limited number of F3 rounds in 2025, classifying him as a rookie. Slater currently leads the championship during summer break, and has emerged as not only the rookie to watch, but the overall driver to beat. He’s combined stunning race wins with point scoring consistency to place himself top of the standings after the Hungarian Grand Prix. The British talent has excelled with Trident and put a benchmark for his competitors to aim for. 

The rookie class has caught a lot of attention this year and multiple drivers have stood out. Red Bull Racing junior, Fionn McLaughlin came into the year as the reigning British F4 champion, and with many people watching him he has struggled to find the consistency he needs. On the other end of the spectrum, Mattel De Palo has proved himself as a regular points scorer and podium contender. 

(Image credit to @fiaf3 on Instagram)

Ugo Ugochukwu currently sits closest to Slater in the championship and has been a standout performer in 2026. The junior driver has been consistently challenging for podiums and victories. He took his first feature race wins of 2026 at the opening round in Melbourne, immediately cementing himself as one to watch over the course of the campaign, since then he has continued to impress and perform on the Formula 1 stage.

The drama has been much like in previous years of the series, particularly in the reverse-grid sprint races. It has delivered multiple surprise winners, overtakes and championship changes. They’ve become almost as valuable as feature races. Spa brought drama for the championship standings, the results here were pivotal for multiple drivers, Slater scored a valuable third place podium and jumped up the standings. But who will come out on top by the end?

Article written by Imogen Moggridge © Imogen Moggridge 2026