Thoughts of a Champion - Ugo Ugochukwu

FIA Formula 3: Welcome, everyone, to the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Champions Press Conference. Many congratulations to our FIA Formula 3 Champion, driving for Campos Racing, Ugo Ugochukwu. Ugo, congratulations. You were locked in a tight battle with Freddie Slater all season. What was your mindset coming here to Madrid with such a close championship battle?

Ugo Ugochukwu: For sure, I was not expecting to come into the final race equal on points, but it made it very exciting. I think we did a good job all weekend. We put ourselves in a good position after qualifying and in the races, so today was just about executing and doing our job properly. P2 was not a bad result. I was just trying to manage my tyres. We knew that was what I needed to win the championship, so it was just about getting it home.

FIA Formula 3: Two victories and seven podiums. You have had a lot of great moments, but is there one moment in the season that stands out for you?

Ugochukwu: I think there are a few. For sure, round one in Melbourne was super special. That was my first win in Formula 3 and it gave me a lot of confidence to continue pushing throughout the season, knowing that we were in the championship fight. Monza was also important, coming back to score a few points. We were fortunate to come into this weekend only 15 points behind, and that really allowed us to apply pressure, attack and ultimately take the championship.

FIA Formula 3: You came back for a second season after a tough rookie year. How much have you learned and matured since stepping into the Formula 3 paddock, and how proud are you of the level of performance you have shown this year?

Ugochukwu: I am super happy. Overall, I think I have improved and evolved as a driver. That is also my goal for the following years, to keep performing better and better. This title is a testament to that, so I am really happy with the work we have put in with the team. I am super happy for them as well, clinching the Teams’ Championship yesterday, and today we got the job done to seal both. It has been pretty much a perfect season for us.

FIA Formula 3: You led the Drivers’ Championship for much of the season, but was there any point when you doubted your title hopes?

Ugochukwu: I would not say I doubted, but there were definitely some points when it looked like we had lost the advantage and needed to come back a little bit. I always kept the faith that I would be able to do it. I had a lot of confidence coming into this weekend, despite being 15 points behind, and I knew it was still possible. We executed everything well, and that allowed us to get the job done.

FIA Formula 3: You are Campos Racing’s first FIA Formula 3 Champion. What does that mean to you, and how key have they been to your success this season?

Ugochukwu: It is super special. The whole team is very happy with this. Our goal at the beginning of the year was to fight for the championship, and that is what we have done. We managed to come out on top, so I cannot thank each and every one of them enough for all their hard work. We have worked well together since before the season started, and I think that really paid off. Starting the championship well is always important, and we finished the season well this weekend too. I am really happy to clinch this first title for Campos.

FIA Formula 3: What is next for the FIA Formula 3 Champion?

Ugochukwu: We will see. Formula 2 is, of course, the next logical step up the ladder towards everyone’s dream of Formula 1. For now, I am just enjoying this title and this championship. The whole of 2026 has been very good for me, winning two championships, and we will see what 2027 brings.