After a perfect weekend in Barcelona, punctuated by a pole position and a maiden victory in FIA Formula 3, Théophile Naël returned to the track this weekend at the Red Bull Ring, in Spielberg, for the fourth round of the 2026 season.
On a short, fast track that is often prone to tight gaps, the Frenchman knew that every detail would be important. While the final result does not fully reflect his level of performance, this Austrian meeting nonetheless confirmed one thing: even in a less favourable weekend, Théophile retains the speed, commitment and responsiveness that have been his strength since the start of the season.
A tricky Friday in qualifying
Yet the weekend had started well, with encouraging pace right from free practice. Théophile was in the right group, with a competitive car and positive feelings at the wheel of his Campos Racing machine.
But in qualifying, the session did not go as hoped. In a very tight pack, where tow plays an important role, the choice to position himself in traffic did not allow Théophile to fully exploit his potential. Blocked at the wrong time, without a perfectly clean lap, he had to settle for 24th position on the grid.
An inevitably frustrating result after three consecutive pole positions at the start of the season, but one that Théophile analysed with hindsight:
The pace was there, but we didn't manage to put everything together at the right moment. It's frustrating, but you have to accept this kind of weekend and take the right lessons from it.
Two attacking races
From this distant position, the objective was clear: to climb back up, avoid traps and make the most of a weekend that had become more complicated. In both races, Théophile responded with seriousness and lucidity.
In the Sprint Race, he constructed a solid, error-free race in a pack where every overtake required patience. On a Red Bull Ring where the gaps remain small, he managed to progress and finish the race in 15th position.
On Sunday, in the featured race, the scenario was similar: start from far back, fight through traffic and seize every opportunity. Théophile again gained several positions to finish 15th once more. In total, the weekend concluded with 17 places gained, proof of a real ability to react despite an unfavourable starting position.
The pace was definitely there
Beyond the raw result, the most important point to take away remains the pace. In the main race, Théophile set the fastest lap of the race, a strong signal in a weekend where he had to deal with the circumstances.
This fastest lap confirms that the performance was indeed there. The speed has not disappeared. Neither has the confidence. The final result is explained more by the starting position and the traffic than by a lack of pace.
Théophile summarised this lucidly after the weekend:
The strategic choice in qualifying did not pay off, but there are many lessons to be learned. The team also tested interesting setups in the race, with positive feelings and a useful base for the future.
A less rewarded weekend, but rich in lessons
In a season as tight as FIA Formula 3, not every weekend can follow the same path. After Melbourne, Monaco and Barcelona, Spielberg represents a trickier meeting, but also an important one in building a championship.
The main thing was to stay focused, limit losses and keep learning. Théophile and Campos Racing leave Austria with valuable information, a better understanding of certain setup choices and the certainty that the race pace remains very strong.
Despite the absence of points, Théophile retains his place in the top 3 of the championship. A position that reflects the consistency and level shown since the start of the season.
Heading to Silverstone
The next round is coming up very quickly. Next weekend, FIA Formula 3 will head to Silverstone for the fifth round of the season, from 3 to 5 July.
An important meeting, on a fast, demanding track loved by the drivers. Théophile will return to a track where he had already shown great things last season, with the desire to immediately regain the positive momentum.
Spielberg may not have delivered the hoped-for result, but it showed a new facet: that of a driver capable of remaining calm, combative and fast even when the weekend does not go the right way.
The season is still long, and Théophile remains fully in the battle. Heading to Silverstone, with the clear objective of coming back stronger.
