In Melbourne, for the opening of the 2026 FIA Formula 3 season, Théophile Naël approached an important weekend in many ways: the first meeting of the year, the first references against the entire field, and the first confirmations expected with Campos Racing. On an urban circuit as demanding as Albert Park, the objective was clear: to launch the season on solid foundations and convert the work of the winter into immediate performance.

The tone was set from practice and especially in qualifying

Very quickly in the rhythm during free practice, Théophile confirmed his competitiveness at the best moment by securing pole position for the main race. A high-level performance, achieved in a session that was tense until the last moments, showcasing his mastery, progression and the quality of the work carried out with Campos Racing. 

After this pole, he succinctly summarized his feelings:

« It was a difficult qualifying, really stressful… I had to give everything in the last run. »

A useful sprint race, then a main race long under control

The Sprint Race, curtailed by a red flag, did not allow for a full build-up of the result, but it nonetheless served to refine the references for Sunday. 

In the main race, Théophile perfectly handled his start from pole by maintaining the advantage in the first few meters, then leading the early part of the event against strong competition. He then continued his race in the leading group, in a scenario that confirmed his ability to play a leading role throughout the weekend.

A penalty that changed the result, but not the displayed level

The end of the weekend left a bitter taste with a five-second penalty received in the main race, which altered the final classification while Théophile had battled at the front. The raw result does not reflect the quality of his performance in Melbourne. It should be noted that he was fast, solid, performed well in qualifying, and capable of leading in a highly competitive context.

A very encouraging base for the future

At the time of leaving Australia, the overall sentiment remains positive: Théophile and Campos Racing have shown that they have the tools to compete at the front this season. This Australian weekend highlighted the potential of the whole team, the competitiveness of the outfit, and Théophile's ability to step up in critical moments. 

Despite the frustration on Sunday, Melbourne lays solid foundations and already gives a clear direction for the future: to capitalize on this speed, maintain this momentum, and seek revenge in the next round.