The 2021 Formula 3 grid will feature 17 fresh faces when action kicks off this weekend in Barcelona, so we grabbed a selection of the Championship’s 2020 graduates for a bit of advice for the rookies.

From tyre management to consistency and keeping their noses clean, they shared the inside secrets to success in the third tier.

OSCAR PIASTRI

“Being consistent will be important, especially with the new format. I think I proved last year that it is not vital to qualify on pole or on the front row every single race. It is more important to be consistent. Having good race craft is also a big thing in F3. I think with the new format, we will see a bigger focus on the races, and less focus on qualifying.

“Staying out of trouble and keeping a calm head will be key. I think that was my strength last year, more than anything. I think the reverse top 12 will throw a spanner in the works for a lot of people. That is a big chunk of the grid getting reversed, so I think the ones who manage to keep their noses clean in the reverse grid races will fight for the championship.”

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THÉO POURCHAIRE

“It is a really important championship, one of the most important feeder series categories there is. It is super important to work hard. Being consistent is an important part of fighting for any championship, including Formula 3. Not every driver can be consistent, so if you can manage to, then I think you have done 90% of the job.

“The five podiums I got in six races last year were incredible and it is because of that period that I was second in the championship, so yeah, consistency is key. Winning in F3 can change your career.”

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LIAM LAWSON

“It is a long Championship, and a lot happens. I had a really good start to the year, but then lost a lot of points during the middle of the season, before coming back again at the end, so we lacked the consistency that we really needed and that is what cost me the Championship in the end. I would advise to focus on finishing every race and always scoring points.

“There is not one key trait in Formula 3, but I do think Qualifying is really important and an area drivers should focus on, because it can really set up your weekend. Overtaking isn’t easy when there are 30 cars on the grid.

“Getting on top of your tyres as early as possible is also important. It changes from track to track, because at some places, you will lose your rears, and at others you will struggle with your fronts, so getting on top of this as early as possible could also be really important.”

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DAVID BECKMANN

“The most important thing is to listen to what your engineer says, particularly with the tyre warm-up procedure. I didn’t find the right warm-up until around midway through my first season. I was setting good times in sectors two and three, but always losing out in sector one, because I wasn’t getting my tyres warmed up properly.

“I would advise that they spend time with their engineers to work on this. The Pirelli tyres can be so hard to switch on and that can cost you five tenths in quali, which will affect your confidence.

“I would say that this is both the biggest challenge and the key to success. In Qualifying, the challenge is to switch them on, and in the races, it is about keeping them alive. If you can do this, then you are also prepared for F2.”

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LIRIM ZENDELI

“Everyone has to find out their own way. I don’t think there is any one way to succeed and graduate, everyone has to find out what works for them.

“Consistency will be key, of course. You get so many different race winners in F3 because it is such a competitive field, so if you finish out of the points, even once, you start to fall behind. Then of course, tyre management. You have to learn quickly in F3.”

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