Bruno Michel's Debrief: A Champion in the making from start to finish

8 September 2023

And just like that, the 2023 FIA Formula 3 season is in the books. Gabriel Bortoleto and PREMA Racing were Champions this year, and there were plenty of other stories throughout the campaign.

Formula 3 CEO Bruno Michel reflects on another hard-fought season, the highlight moments and what might come next for the Championship.

BORTOLETO REIGNS SUPREME

At 18 years old, Gabriel Bortoleto arrived in F3 a rookie with three years of single-seater experience. But Trident had a lot of faith in the young Brazilian, absolutely convinced that he was the real deal, the chosen one who could bring them their first Drivers’ title. Quickest in the very first Free Practice of the season, Bortoleto was victorious in the opening Feature Race in Sakhir. He took the lead in the Standings and was never bettered.

He made consistency the operative mode of his title charge, staying out of trouble, failing to score points only three times, remaining calm, clinical and collected throughout the year. He could have claimed the title in Spa, but a less than ideal race weekend meant that he had to wait until after the summer break to triumph. Snatching the crown after a chaotic and shortened Qualifying session, he made sure to show everyone why he is the 2023 FIA Formula 3 Champion in the Sprint Race, climbing up the order in superb fashion, taking P2 at the flag. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for Bortoleto!

PREMA RACING AGAIN

It was a fight that went down to the wire, but ultimately, PREMA Racing ended yet another season on top. Two of their drivers – Zak O’Sullivan and Paul Aron – finished in the Top 3 in the Drivers' Championship as well. But it was not a perfect season for the reigning Champions who are missing out on the Drivers' title for the second season in a row. Still, they grabbed a total of 13 podiums – two more than rivals Trident. With five wins in 2023, including four for O’Sullivan alone, they have surpassed everyone on the grid. They are undeniably the team to beat in F3.

THE BATTLE FOR THIRD

Behind the top two teams, Campos Racing had their best F3 season to date, in the run for the Drivers' Championship with Josep María Martí, and a top three finish in the Teams’ Standings. A scrappy race weekend in Monza will most likely leave a bitter taste, but they should be proud of the improvements made in 2023 that led them to fourth in the Championship.

Meanwhile, it was a perfect end to MP Motorsport’s campaign who sign off 2023 with a double win. Third in the Teams' Standings, their driver Franco Colapinto takes fourth in the Drivers' Championship, just two points behind Paul Aron. Since the start of F3, MP have made their way up the field steadily. It will be interesting to see what they will do next season.

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2023

In a fiercely fought category, it’s a gamble to line up three rookies within the same team, but Hitech Pulse-Eight and Jenzer Motorsport believed it was the way to go for 2023. The British squad ended the year with two wins, six podiums, two pole positions, two fastest laps and the most led laps, with 69. It’s P5 in the end in the Championship, but just nine points behind Campos Racing, and Gabriele Minì finished fourth best rookie, with two poles to his name.

As for Jenzer, they added one win and four podiums to their tally, with a most memorable 1-3-4 finish in the Feature Race at Spa-Francorchamps, from P10, P18 and P22 on the grid! The Swiss team finished sixth in the Standings, their best result to date. Taylor Barnard’s end of season, scoring 56 points in a matter of two rounds – the most out of anyone else on the grid, propelled him to 10th in the Drivers’ Championship. Quite impressive…

Another highlight, which can be seen as a lowlight, is ART Grand Prix who classified 8th in the Championship, having finished third four years in a row. Something simply did not click this season that included one pole, two podiums, but not enough points.

ENTERTAINEMENT AT ITS BEST

What a season it’s been! We’ve seen some truly spectacular races, breakout stars, drama and sometimes chaos. We’ve raced for the first time in Australia, bringing F3 to a part of the world that has produced so many great drivers.

We’ve seen another strong growth in our audience on social media. Our fans are avid and great supporters to our Championship.

2024 is around the corner. We will see our teams next month for six days of post-season testing. I’m sure there will be some interesting new faces in the paddock. Keep an eye on us. You won’t be disappointed!