Ugochukwu Becomes First U.S. Formula 3 Champion

Ugo Ugochukwu, a 19-year-old Nigerian-American driver for Campos Racing, made history by becoming the first Formula 3 champion from the United States after finishing second in the final race of the 2026 season held in Madrid, Spain, on Sunday. The result was announced by Formula 1 via a post on its X handle.

Ugochukwu concluded the championship with 159 points, 14 points clear of British driver Freddie Slater, who finished the season with 145 points after placing eighth in the final race. Ugochukwu entered the final round tied on points with Slater but managed to secure the title by avoiding mistakes during the race.

Finland's Tuukka Taponen won the final race, marking his maiden F3 victory. Ugochukwu expressed his satisfaction, stating, “We knew we just had to keep it clean to clinch the title, and that’s what we did.” He is the son of Nigerian fashion model Oluchi Onweagba and her Italian husband.