After a three-month break since Melbourne, the FIA Formula 3 championship returned this weekend to the streets of Monte Carlo. Théophile Naël secured one of his best weekends of the season.
P1 in free practice
Théophile took the lead on Thursday, setting the fastest time in free practice. A weekend launched on the right track, with a car already well set up.
Pole position, second in a row
On Friday in qualifying, Théophile confirmed his form by taking pole position in 1'24"471, the F3 track record with the new cars and his second consecutive pole after Melbourne. A major lap completed while brushing close to the Monaco barriers.
I am delighted to start the weekend in the lead. I know we can still improve on a few details, but I am confident.
A high-tension sprint race
On Saturday, Théophile started in 12th position in a race that was hectic from the very first lap: a collision at the Fairmont hairpin triggered a safety car, followed by a red flag.
At the restart, and as he was making his way through the field, Slater and Rivera collided right in front of him at the same corner. Théophile, with absolutely no room to avoid them, hit the two stationary single-seaters. He returned to the pits to change his front wing and finished the race in last position, a casualty of the surrounding chaos.
A difficult and frustrating Saturday, but without consequences for the future.
A solid race, a well-deserved podium
On Sunday, Théophile started from pole position. As soon as the lights went out, his direct rival made a perfect start and passed him into the first corner. Théophile locked down second place and did not let it go for the entire race.
A safety car was deployed on the second lap following a crash. At the restart, Théophile managed his position with calm and consistency over the 27 laps of the event. The gap to third place quickly grew, and he crossed the line in P2, just 0"5 behind the winner, securing his first podium in Monaco.
This is also the first time in 2026 that he has scored race points, after two poles in Melbourne and Monaco. A sign that everything is falling into place.
To be honest, it was a difficult start. I think my reaction time was good, but then I had quite a lot of wheelspin in second gear. We've analysed the data and I know what I need to improve.
The momentum is building
First in free practice, first in qualifying, second in the race: Théophile was the fastest driver of the weekend in Monaco.
The consistency and maturity displayed on this demanding circuit represent a strong signal for the rest of the season. Next stop next weekend at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, a track that Théophile knows well and where he secured a podium finish last season.
