Interview
Le calls step up to F3 ‘unreal’ as he previews 2026 with ART Grand Prix
Kanato Le is delighted that he gets the chance to graduate to Formula 3 in 2026 in a familiar environment at ART Grand Prix, a team he says feels like “home”.
The 18-year-old continues with the French outfit for a second full season, with the combination having proven to be race-winning one at the 2025 Formula Regional Middle East Championship.
After a campaign in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine and an 11th place finish at the 2025 Macau Grand Prix, Le feels he is in the best place for this next step in his career.
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“I mean it's quite unreal being able to race in F3 next year,” said Le on being announced as a Formula 3 driver. "It has been a long journey to get here, but then it's one step closer to being in F1, and being able to race on the same weekends as F1 is amazing.
“I am really looking forward to it. Also racing with ART again next year, I know the team from FRECA this year, and we have a good relationship, so hopefully we can build on for next year.
“I think being in a team that I have worked with for over a year now, going into a new environment, new Championship, I don't have to learn a new team.
“Being in the same environment, similar people, it feels like I am at home. So I can focus on just doing my best, and getting good results for the team as well.”
Le got his first chance to drive the Formula 3 car at the three post-season tests held in Jerez, Barcelona and Imola. The Japanese driver shared what he had learned across the six days, and what he has been having to adapt to the most.
“I think obviously it's quite a big step from the FRECA car,” said Le. “So it took a bit to get used to it. Obviously, it's super-fast, and it's such a fun car to drive.
“I think throughout the six days I made really good progress, so I am really happy with the work I did with the team.
“I definitely found the tyres the most different thing to adapt to. F3 has very peaky tyres, so you only get one push. In other Championships, you can have a few laps, and you can do some good times.
“But in this Championship, you have to do the lap in one push and you need really good concentration, and it demands a lot of focus. It's hard, but it's also quite fun. So I am looking forward to next year.”
As things stand, ART are set to be the only team that fields an entire lineup of rookies, with Le joining Taito Kato and Maciej Gladysz.
While all three drivers will be finding their feet in F3, Le feels that it is a strong lineup which will allow them learn and develop together.
“I think three rookies in a team, it's going to be a little difficult,” said Le. “Everyone is learning a new car, everyone does not have that much experience, but I think both of them, they are really good drivers.
“I think even though we are all rookies, we are able to share good data with each other and learn from each other. Obviously, it would be good to have a second year, but with these two teammates, it works really well. I think as a driver I can grow quite a lot with them.”
Looking forward, Le will be heading home to spend some time with family, something he says he does not get to do a lot with his schedule.
After that, his preparations for the 2026 campaign will be in full swing, and he hopes to set himself up for what will be a successful season.
“Next year I want to be as consistent as possible,” added Le. “In Qualifying, I want to be top 12 in our races, and to be able to score points. I think it would be really nice to get some podiums, and then be in a really great fight for some wins.”