Nael Controls Chaotic Formula 3 Sprint to Win at the Hungarian GP

Nael turns race chaos into a commanding victory

Nael converted a fast start and decisive overtaking into a controlled Formula 3 Sprint Race victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, claiming his second win of the season after a race shaped by early contact, penalties and a late fight for the podium.

The early action brought out the Safety Car. Nakamura and Gladysz went three-wide with Xie into Turn 2 before Nakamura made contact with Gladysz, eliminating both drivers. Ugo Ugochukwu also sustained front-wing damage while battling Nicola Lacorte, although he eventually moved into sixth.

Nael takes control as penalties reshape the fight

As the field settled, James Wharton fought Yevan David to break into the top ten, while Ugochukwu continued his progress and reached fifth. His move down the inside of Le, however, created the opening Nael needed. Nael slipped ahead and took the lead of the Sprint.

Ugochukwu’s challenge then faded as his tyres appeared to deteriorate, allowing Mattia Colnaghi to pull clear. His race became even more difficult when he received a five-second penalty for forcing Tuukka Taponen off the track at Turn 3 on the opening lap. The sanction had championship implications: with Ugochukwu losing ground, Freddie Slater gained an opportunity to move into the lead of the standings.

At the front, Nael, Le and Ernesto Rivera remained locked into the podium positions. Behind them, Fernando Barrichello attacked Wharton for a place inside the top ten, while further contact between Lacorte and Ugochukwu on Lap 16 added to the championship leader’s difficult afternoon.

Rivera denied, Nael unstoppable

Rivera made a late attempt to take second from Le on the penultimate lap, but the ART driver defended successfully. Rivera continued searching for an opening, yet Le held firm through the closing stages.

Nael was never seriously threatened after taking the lead. He crossed the chequered flag for his second victory of the season, with Le securing his first Formula 3 podium and Rivera completing the top three for a second consecutive podium finish.