Key takeaways
- Challenging track initiation: Formula 3 logged 19 red flags over two days of testing as drivers adapted to the new Madrid street circuit.
- Widespread incidents: 11 separate crashes occurred, with Fernando Barrichello causing three red flags due to two crashes and a spin.
- Ugochukwu tops timing sheets: Ugo Ugochukwu set the fastest overall time with a 1m49.034s lap despite frequent session stoppages.
Formula 3 completed a chaotic two-day test session on Tuesday (August 25–26) at the brand-new Madrid street circuit. With the grid attempting to learn the new layout ahead of the season finale, track action was repeatedly disrupted by a total of 19 red flags.
In total, 11 red flags were triggered by crashes. Drivers including Fernando Barrichello (twice), Christian Ho, Maciej Gładysz, Jin Nakamura, Freddie Slater, Michael Shin, Hiyu Yamakoshi, Mattia Colnaghi, Nicola Lacorte, and Kanato Le all damaged their cars during the test. Mechanical failures brought out three additional stoppages for Bruno Del Pino, Fionn McLaughlin, and Matteo de Palo, while spins and unspecified incidents accounted for the remaining delays.
Despite the chaotic flow of testing, championship contender Ugo Ugochukwu adapted quickly to lead the timing sheets, setting the fastest overall lap of 1m49.034s.
Formula 3 resumes action alongside Formula 1 from September 4–6 at Monza for the Italian Grand Prix weekend. GRANDE PRÊMIO provides complete live coverage of all track action. Follow all updates on our news page.
Red flag breakdown: F3 Madrid test
| Session | Cause |
|---|---|
| Day 1 (Morning, 46 min) | Not specified |
| Day 1 (Morning, 1h 30m) | Crash – Christian Ho |
| Day 1 (Morning, 2h 30m) | Not specified |
| Day 1 (Morning, 2h 50m) | Car stopped – Bruno Del Pino (Turn 12) |
| Day 1 (Afternoon, 12 min) | Wall contact – Fernando Barrichello (Turn 17) |
| Day 1 (Afternoon, 40 min) | Wall contact – Jin Nakamura (Turn 17) |
| Day 1 (Afternoon, 1h 10m) | Wall contact – Maciej Gładysz (Turns 5–6) |
| Day 1 (Afternoon, 1h 53m) | Spin – Unidentified driver |
| Day 1 (Afternoon, 2h 32m) | Wall contact – Freddie Slater (Turn 10) |
| Day 2 (Morning, 8 min) | Spin – Fernando Barrichello (Turn 8) |
| Day 2 (Morning, 59 min) | Not specified |
| Day 2 (Morning, 1h 16m) | Wall contact – Michael Shin (Turn 5) |
| Day 2 (Morning, 2h 39m) | Crash – Hiyu Yamakoshi (Turn 11) |
| Day 2 (Afternoon, 15 min) | Car stopped – Fionn McLaughlin |
| Day 2 (Afternoon, 1h) | Car stopped – Matteo De Palo |
| Day 2 (Afternoon, 1h 13m) | Front wing damage – Mattia Colnaghi (Turn 7) |
| Day 2 (Afternoon, 1h 32m) | Wall contact – Nicola Lacorte (Turn 14) |
| Day 2 (Afternoon, 2h 12m) | Crash – Kanato Le (Turn 7) |
| Day 2 (Afternoon, 2h 47m) | Crash – Fernando Barrichello (Turn 3) |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. How many red flags were caused during the F3 test in Madrid?
The two-day Formula 3 test recorded 19 total red flags due to 11 crashes, three mechanical stoppages, two spins, and three unspecified incidents.
2. Who set the fastest time during the Madrid F3 test?
Ugo Ugochukwu set the fastest lap of the test with a 1m49.034s effort.
3. When is the next Formula 3 event?
Formula 3 returns to action from September 4–6, 2026, for the Italian Grand Prix weekend at Monza.
