2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship Driver Line-up Overview

The 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship (Season 8) grid showcases a new generation of single-seater talent, with a strong emphasis on rookie drivers stepping up from regional Formula championships. As the final junior category before Formula 2, Formula 3 remains a critical proving ground for future Formula 1 prospects.

Below is a team-by-team structured overview based on the official 2026 F3 driver line-up graphic.

Campos Racing

• Ernesto Rivera (Mexico) – Rookie
• Ugo Ugochukwu (United States)
• Théophile Naël (France)

Campos fields a highly international line-up. Rivera debuts as a rookie, while Ugochukwu continues his Red Bull Junior-backed progression. Naël adds European single-seater experience.

Trident

• Noah Strømsted (Denmark)
• Freddie Slater (United Kingdom) – Rookie
• Matteo De Palo (Italy) – Rookie

Trident combines consistency with two newcomers. Strømsted anchors the team, while Slater and De Palo step up after strong junior results.

MP Motorsport

• Mattia Colnaghi (Italy) – Rookie
• Tuukka Taponen (Finland)
• Alessandro Giusti (France)

MP Motorsport fields a competitive trio. Taponen brings experience at this level, while Colnaghi and Giusti represent promising rookie talent.

ART Grand Prix

• Maciej Gładysz (Poland) – Rookie
• Kanato Le (Japan) – Rookie
• TBA

ART continues its development-focused approach, confirming two rookies with the third seat yet to be officially announced.

Van Amersfoort Racing (VAR)

• Jesse Carrasquedo (Mexico) – Rookie
• Hiyu Yamakoshi (Japan) – Rookie
• Bruno del Pino (Spain)

VAR commits to a full rookie line-up, reinforcing its reputation as a launchpad for young international drivers.

Rodin Motorsport

• Christian Ho (Singapore)
• Brando Badoer (Italy)
• Pedro Clerot (Brazil) – Rookie

Rodin blends experience with youth. Badoer continues his development, while Clerot enters his rookie season after strong regional performances.

PREMA Racing

• Enzo Deligny (France) – Rookie
• Louis Sharp (New Zealand)
• James Wharton (Australia)

PREMA once again fields one of the most closely watched line-ups. Sharp and Wharton return with experience, while Deligny debuts as a highly rated rookie.

Hitech Pulse-Eight

• Jin Nakamura (Japan) – Rookie
• Michael Shin (South Korea)
• Fionn McLaughlin (Ireland) – Rookie

Hitech features strong Asian and European representation, combining technical consistency with two rookie drivers.

AIX Racing

• Brad Benavides (United States)
• Yevan David (Sri Lanka) – Rookie
• Fernando Barrichello (Brazil) – Rookie

AIX Racing brings together experience and famous lineage, with Barrichello continuing the Barrichello family presence in international single-seaters.

DAMS Lucas Oil

• Natthawud Bhirombhakdi (Thailand) – Rookie
• TBA
• TBA

DAMS confirms one driver so far, with two seats still to be announced ahead of the season.

Key Observations

• The 2026 F3 grid is heavily rookie-focused, highlighting the championship’s role as an entry point to FIA’s single-seater ladder.
• Teams such as VAR and AIX Racing commit fully to rookie development.
• Driver representation spans Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania, reinforcing Formula 3’s global reach.
• Several drivers are part of manufacturer or junior academy programs, making the season particularly relevant for long-term Formula 1 scouting.

With limited testing and tightly matched machinery, adaptability and consistency will be decisive as these drivers aim to progress toward Formula 2 and beyond.

FIA Formula 3 Championship – 2026 Season