Ernesto Rivera delivered a defining performance at Spa-Francorchamps, securing his first Formula 3 Feature Race victory and his second win of the 2026 season. The Campos Racing driver, a member of the Red Bull Junior Team, navigated a high-attrition race to climb from fourth on the grid to the top step of the podium, marking a significant milestone for Mexican motorsport.
The victory serves as a major recovery for Rivera, who was sidelined from the opening round of the season due to a pre-season back injury. His ability to contend at the front of the field in one of the championship's most demanding technical sessions underscores his progress following that period of absence.
A Tactical Charge Through the Field
The race began with immediate volatility. Pole-sitter Freddie Slater experienced a sluggish start, allowing Tuukka Taponen and Hiyu Yamakoshi to seize the lead in the opening moments. A Safety Car was deployed at the end of the first lap after Yevan David became stuck in the gravel, resetting the field and altering the tactical landscape.
Once racing resumed, Rivera began a methodical ascent. He moved into third place on lap nine by overtaking Taponen at Les Combes. The drive was not without its difficulties; during his pursuit of the leaders, Rivera sustained damage to his front wing endplate following contact with Yamakoshi. Despite the aerodynamic implications of the damaged component, the Mexican driver maintained enough pace to continue his offensive.
The decisive sequence of overtakes unfolded as follows:
- Lap 10: Rivera pressured Yamakoshi, positioning himself to challenge for the lead.
- Lap 12: Utilizing DRS, Rivera executed a pass on Freddie Slater heading toward Turn 5 to claim the lead.
- Lap 13: Having established a gap of 1.3 seconds, Rivera broke free of the DRS threat from his rivals.
Rivera eventually crossed the line 1.685 seconds ahead of Yamakoshi to secure the win. His performance was noted for its effective management of tire degradation, a feat that drew comparisons to the tire preservation skills of Formula 1's Sergio Pérez.
Tightening the Championship Margin
While Rivera celebrated a historic win—becoming the first Mexican driver to win an F3 Feature Race—the championship battle reached a critical juncture. The results at Spa have left the title race separated by a single point.
Championship leader Ugo Ugochukwu faced a difficult weekend in Spa. After fighting mid-pack, a loss of rhythm in the closing laps saw the Campos Racing driver tumble down the order, ultimately finishing 22nd and failing to score points. This result has allowed his rival, Freddie Slater, to close the gap significantly.
Slater, who secured a third-place podium finish, has moved within striking distance of the leader. The tension heading into the next round at the Hungaroring is palpable as the gap between the top two drivers narrows to the minimum margin possible.
Spa-Francorchamps Feature Race Results
| Pos | Driver | Team | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ernesto Rivera | Campos Racing | First Feature Race Win |
| 2 | Hiyu Yamakoshi | Van Amersfoort Racing | Career-best finish |
| 3 | Freddie Slater | TRIDENT | Podium streak continues |
| 4 | Mattia Colnaghi | MP Motorsport | Season-best result |
| 5 | Maciej Gładysz | ART Grand Prix | - |
The weekend also saw standout performances from Mattia Colnaghi, who secured fourth place for MP Motorsport, marking his best result of the season. As the series prepares for its next stop, the focus shifts to whether Ugochukwu can defend his slim lead or if Slater can capitalize on his recent momentum.
Sources
These sources formed the evidence pack for this article. Links open the original publisher; inclusion does not imply endorsement.
- lat.motorsport.com original
- eldictamen.mx original
- Feeder Series original
- dive-bomb.com original
- Mathieu Chambenoit original
- mundodeportivo.com original
- formula1.com original