‘This was my main goal’ says Ugochukwu after sealing Formula 3 title in Madrid

Ugo Ugochukwu is the 2026 Drivers’ Champion, completing what he believes has been the best season of his career to date.

The Campos Racing driver went into Sunday’s Feature Race 2 tied on points with Freddie Slater, and by finishing second, compared to his rival in eighth, he claimed the title.

Speaking in the paddock afterwards, a delighted Ugochukwu spoke of the importance of winning this championship.

“I'm feeling really good, for sure,” said Ugochukwu. “This was the main goal at the start of the year, to get the championship.

“I think after quali we knew we did our job, we did the main task, and today, and yesterday, it was just about execution and getting the points and bringing it home.

“There was a little bit of pressure which is pretty normal. This last weekend was definitely the most important one of the championship, with two Features.

“So, quali was pressure to get the job done. I thought I performed with the pressure, I had the right risk versus reward and didn't make any mistakes. Ultimately today, we benefited off the good quali.

“Today I knew what I had to do to win the championship. So, it was in my hands to keep it clean, keep the cars behind at bay, and just bring it home to the line.”

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This result represented a massive turnaround for Ugochukwu as he went into Sunday’s Feature Race in Monza starting at the back of the field, while Slater went from pole.

But with his rival not finishing and him making a comeback to the points, he set himself up for a title showdown in Madrid.

Speaking about his mentality through it all, Ugochukwu said: “I think coming into this weekend, we were quite fortunate to be able to come in 15 points behind.

“We used that to our advantage. 15 points is still a decent gap, but I knew that was enough to put a bit of pressure on our rivals, and ultimately, we managed to perfect this last weekend, execute it well, and that's what gave us the championship.”

Reflecting more on his season long battle with Slater, Ugochukwu says it was one he enjoyed.

“It was a great battle throughout the year and we really enjoyed it,” he said. “I think beginning of the year, we knew from testing and Round 1 that it might be us two at the end that we would be battling for the championship.

“But to come down like that, to the wire, with equal points in the last race was pretty crazy. So just obviously really happy to get it done and to clinch the title and to come out on top.”

Looking back on the year, Ugochukwu started 2026 winning the Formula Regional Oceania Championship in New Zealand ahead of Slater.

The 19-year-old ranks this season as the best of his career to date.

“I think this year is probably one of my top ones of my racing journey, my racing career, 2026 as a whole,” added Ugochukwu.

“Really happy that I've been able to show what I can do. Two titles this year this being my second, and for sure this is the one I really, really wanted to get done.

For sure this is a great step for my career, really important, and it's a good step for what's to come.”