Winning Formula 3 Championship ‘tricky’ but not ‘impossible’ says rookie Sztuka

One of MP Motorsport’s three rookie drivers for the 2024 FIA Formula 3 campaign Kacper Sztuka has set his sights on finishing in the top three in the Championship this year.

Sztuka is one of 17 newcomers to the Formula 3 grid this season and was hard at work at the pre-season test around the Bahrain International Circuit earlier this month.

Speaking before jumping into the cockpit for the first time in Sakhir, Sztuka revealed how hard he had been working in both the simulator and in the gym in anticipation of his rookie year.

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“Of course, going to F3 is a big step coming from F4,” acknowledged Sztuka. “The difference is huge in the speed, tyres, aerodynamics, everything is way faster so it's quite a big step.

“I did the official test in Imola which was good. I was making good steps and at the end of the second day I was near the top-10, so it was really good.

“At first of course I had to get used to the speed, so I think there is still some room for improvement, but I think if I do the steps that I did in Imola I will be fine.”

This step up follows a strong three years in which he took part and won races and titles in the Italian and ADAC F4 Championships, as well as the Euro Formula 4 competition and Formula Winter Series.

Explaining what the toughest aspects has been to adapt to in an F3 car, Sztuka said: “I think braking, which is very strong in Formula 3 compared to Formula 4, so just getting used to the speed.

“The power also, actually everything is different but for sure the braking and the speed into the corner is the biggest difference.”

Sztuka graduates to Formula 3 off the back of a very strong 2023 campaign. He competed against a very strong field to take the Italian F4 title, winning eight of the final nine races.

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He also won the Formula Winter Series Championship despite missing the final round of the year, with his five wins in the opening six races enough to see him take the crown.

Asked whether he is taking confidence from his performances last year, Sztuka said: “Of course. I know that I am a good driver, now I have to bring it from F4 to F3 and do the same.

“Of course, I think my approach was good and I will keep it for this season. I am starting as a rookie and not an experienced guy like last year in Formula 4.

“But I think the things I learned in Formula 4 are very useful and now I can go from there and just build up my pace and I know when I arrive, I will be good.”

As well as adapting to a new category, he is also adjusting to life in a new team having not raced in MP Motorsport colours previously. But Sztuka says he is having fun in his new surroundings.

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“The team is really nice,” said Sztuka. “There is a very nice atmosphere. Everyone is very fun; everybody is quite chilled until we drive then we are of course very focused and then we do our job.

“But when there is time for being a bit less focused, we have a good time for sure. I have not spent that long within the team but it's looking like it's a really nice team.”

However, he is not the only driver in the team familiarising themselves with a new car, Championship, and environment. Sztuka’s new teammates Tim Tramnitz and Alex Dunne are also taking part in their first season in Formula 3.

The Polish driver says despite their inexperience in the category, he is excited by the pace of the trio. He believes that MP are bringing one of the strongest line-ups to the 2024 grid.

“I think it's always important to have good teammates in Formula 3,” explained Sztuka. As you have limited track time you need to have good data to compare.

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“We are all rookies but on the other hand we are all very fast and I think we have one of the best squads in the whole grid. In terms of the drivers, we are very good and for sure we can do something good with all three drivers being fast.”

As for his goals for the 2024 season, Sztuka says: “Of course, as a driver I want to win but I know that winning the Championship will be very tricky in the first season.

"But, it's not impossible, so that will be my aim but finishing top three in the Championship will be for sure very good.”