What a wild way to close out the year. The 2026 FIA Formula 3 season wrapped up in Madrid with a tense feature race that delivered everything: a masterclass from the pole sitter, a nail-biting title coronation, and a rookie capping off a stellar weekend on the podium.
Tuukka Taponen knew he had a target on his back when the lights went out. Starting from pole alongside championship contender Ugo Ugochukwu, the Finnish driver had nightmares of the previous day's races where starting second meant inheriting the lead by Turn 1. Sleeping on that stress paid off, though. Taponen nailed his start, stayed ahead, and managed the gap all race long before setting the fastest lap on the final tour. It seals P3 in the 2026 standings for him, a stunning turnaround after a season that started with a serious struggle. Unfortunately, as the season ends, Taponen admits his 2027 plans are far from set due to the brutal financial side of motorsport.
Right behind him, Ugo Ugochukwu kept his head to secure the championship. Starting P2 while his title rival sat back in P8 with zero points from the previous day, the pressure was immense. Ugochukwu played it smart, trying for the lead at the start before settling in to manage his tyres and protect his machine from the punishing kerbs at Madrid. Even a late Safety Car scare—which briefly convinced both him and his engineer that the race would end under yellow before a frantic one-lap dash was called—could not derail him. Crossing that final line meant he could finally hold his breath no longer.
Rounding out the podium in P3 was Pedro Clerot, capping off an amazing weekend for him and Rodin after their win in the first feature race. For a rookie season in such a brutally competitive championship, securing five podiums was beyond his imagination. Clerot admitted that while the year was tough, finishing strong with good points for both the Teams' and Drivers' Championships makes it extra special. He is already looking forward to a very nice, strong year ahead, but first, it is time to head back home to Brazil to celebrate.
