A stunning debut in Formula 3
Théophile Nael, a young French driver aged just 17, made a brilliant start to his Formula 3 season on the opening weekend in Melbourne. The talented Stéphanois scored his first podium in the discipline, a feat no other Frenchman had achieved in his first race for over ten years.
Théophile impressed in qualifying, setting the third fastest time to secure a place on the second row for the weekend’s main race. This result marked a promising start to his season.
How does a Formula 3 weekend work?
Formula 3 shares its calendar with Formula 1, offering maximum exposure to young talent. Each weekend follows a well-defined three-stage format:
- Free practice: a 45-minute session allowing drivers to discover the track and fine-tune their single-seaters.
- Qualifying: a 30-minute session in which drivers attempt to set the best possible lap. This result determines the starting grid for the main race.
- The races:
- Sprint race (Saturday): a shorter race with a reversed grid for the top 12 qualifiers.
- Main Race (Sunday): longer and more prestigious, this race awards maximum championship points.
The Sprint Race: first points for Théophile Nael
Théophile started the sprint race in Melbourne from 10th place. In a race marred by a number of incidents, he came through with flying colors thanks to a successful start and intelligent tire management. He finished a solid 7th, scoring his first F3 points.
The main event: a memorable podium in the rain
On Sunday, in extreme weather conditions, Théophile demonstrated the full extent of his talent. Starting in third position, he navigated the slippery track to maintain his pace and climb onto the podium. This result propelled him to second place in the championship, just behind Rafael Câmara.
A promising season ahead
With this first podium, Théophile Nael confirms his potential and positions himself as a serious contender for the Formula 3 title. This result marks an excellent start to the season and strengthens hopes of seeing a Frenchman shine in the promotional formulas.
Follow Théophile Nael’s adventure
Don’t miss any news by following Théophile on his social networks:
- Facebook: Théophile Nael
- Instagram: @theophile_nael
“Thank you for your invaluable support!” – Théophile Nael
