Here is a young racer with clear eyes and serious intentions. Sebastian Wheldon is setting his sights right at the top, targeting nothing less than a shot at the title as he prepares for his debut Formula 3 campaign. The American driver is stepping up to the grid with Trident, bringing plenty of momentum after a strong run in FREC.
That transition from FREC is no small leap, but the preparation is already well underway. Wheldon got straight down to work during the post-season tests at Jerez and Barcelona, putting in four days to learn the machine. He noted that the machine represents a major shift from what he drove previously, pointing to the extra downforce, the increased power from the engine, and the narrower window to extract a lap time.
That’s really everyone's goal and it should be everyone's goal. But to just fight for the championship and be consistent as possible.
“The car is a really big step compared to FREC,” Wheldon said. “You have the downforce and just more power from the engine. But that’s the biggest thing you feel is just probably more downforce and just less laps to do the lap time.”
That promotion follows a stellar campaign in FREC where the 17-year-old finished second in the Drivers’ Championship, collecting four victories and eight podiums along the way. Now, he finds himself slotting right in at his new home. He admitted he feels right at home with the squad, praising the friendly atmosphere and the hard work put in over the past couple of weeks to get ready.
Inside the garage, he will share his side of the garage with a very familiar face. Wheldon is paired alongside fellow rookie Kean Nakamura-Berta, a rival he fought against for the title this year. Despite that previous rivalry, the dynamic is built on mutual respect and friendship dating back to when they first started racing in Europe.
“Kean is quite a good driver and good to work with him, we've always respected each other,” Wheldon said. “I respected him ever since I first started racing in Europe and he's a good friend of mine as well.”
Looking further down the calendar, the American driver expressed clear excitement about taking on the legendary streets of Monaco when the series heads there for Round 5. But when it comes down to measuring success, the goals are straightforward and uncompromising. It is about staying consistent and being right in the mix when it matters most.
“I just want to fight for the championship,” he said. “That’s really everyone's goal and it should be everyone's goal. But to just fight for the championship and be consistent as possible.”
