Ugochukwu is crowned champion as Taponen earns maiden F3 win

Ugo Ugochukwu has clinched the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Drivers' Championship in a dramatic season finale in Madrid. Finishing second in the final Feature Race, Ugochukwu secured the title with 159 points, successfully overcoming his rival Freddie Slater to become the first American to win the F3 crown. Tuukka Taponen celebrated a maiden F3 victory in the same race, becoming the first Finnish driver to achieve the feat. Despite a late-race Safety Car, Taponen maintained his composure to lead from pole to checkered flag. Pedro Clerot completed the podium in third, while Slater finished eighth, confirming his second-place position in the final championship standings.