Brando Badoer's Season Review: Highlight moments and bouncing back from tough rookie year

Brando Badoer is delighted with how well he bounced back from his rookie season to put in a stronger campaign with Rodin Motorsport in 2026.

The Italian driver ended the year seventh in the Championship after a 2025 campaign where he finished 25th in the Standings.

Speaking at the finale in Madrid, Badoer spoke with the pride at the season he has put together this year.

“It's definitely been a good season overall,” he said. “Lots of good races, important races and memories with the team. Of course, we got the Monaco win, and we got four podiums, and we worked really well throughout the year.

“Coming into the last round we were a couple of points off P3 in the championship, in the top five. It was a really good fight for it so definitely a strong season overall.

“I think overall we had a lot of positive things. Some things we could have done better. Every year when you look back at the season, there are a lot of things where you think I lost points there or there. But it's normal and it's that way for everyone.

“Sometimes we got good luck, sometimes bad luck. But overall I can be happy about the work I've done in F3, and I'm really thankful for every part of the team, the mechanics, engineers, the team manager, for all the work they've done alongside me.”

When asked what he felt he had improved upon this year compared to 2025, Badoer responded: “I'm definitely happy to have shown the world my potential. The worst season was last year.

“I usually always perform at a high level, but last year for many reasons it was impossible. Definitely tough moments make you stronger.

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“I think I still managed to comeback very strong and motivated for 2026, and with the help of a team that for me has been like a family, in Rodin. It was possible to fight at the top of the Standings.

“So I would say the determination, motivation and the support of my team made it possible. People forget about a negative 2025, which was definitely a tough one to deal with.”

Badoer concedes that consistency was something he improved on this year even if it was not always perfect, as he acknowledged that Formula 3 is a “difficult championship to be always competitive in”.

But that didn’t change the 20-year-old’s approach, who believes his hard work was the biggest strength this season.

“Maybe it might sound a bit obvious, but I would say the hard work,” said Badoer when asked about his biggest strength in 2026. “Going into every tiny detail when things are not as good as they should.

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“It helps you fix them and make them good for the next time. So I would say the really hard and deep work always gets you out of tough situations. So I would say that's the key.”

When asked to pick a highlight moment, Badoer said: “Winning in Monaco. I've had many good moments, but for sure that stands out.

“I think I achieved it, and it was a good celebration. It was a good celebration, but not long because I had Barcelona.”