Pedro Clerot claims maiden Formula 3 victory at Madring
Pedro Clerot delivered a composed performance at Madridâs all-new Madring circuit to secure his maiden Formula 3 victory. Taito Kato finished second and Tuukka Taponen completed the podium, while Ugo Ugochukwuâs fourth-place finish drew him level with Freddie Slater in the championship standings ahead of the final race.
The result was a significant turnaround from the starting order. Kato began from pole, but Clerot made the decisive move into Turn 1 and emerged in front. The leading group avoided trouble, although the opening lap was quickly interrupted when a pile-up at Turns 7 and 8 brought out the Red Flag.
Championship leader Slater, starting 16th, made early contact but remained in the race. The incident developed after Bruno Del Pino and Enzo Deligny, both driving for Van Amersfoort Racing, collided and triggered the wider blockage. After a lengthy clean-up, the field returned to the track with Clerot leading Kato, Taponen and Ugochukwu. Jin Nakamura completed the top five.
The race followed Taito Katoâs narrow pole position, but Clerotâs launch and control of the restart ultimately shaped the result.
Safety Car reshapes the title fight
Nicola Lacorte received a five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane. He was already last among the 21 drivers who survived the opening-lap incident and made the restart.
Slater was running 15th after the restart. He went wide and lost DRS, leaving him exposed to Kanato Le, although contact between drivers ahead allowed Slater to close back in and fight for 14th. His title challenge then suffered a decisive blow on Lap 9, when he hit the wall and caused a Safety Car period. The incident ensured that Slater would score no points.
Ugochukwu was still fourth when the Safety Car appeared, only 12 points behind Slater. Racing resumed on Lap 12 of 19, with Clerot continuing to control the field. He maintained a clean, measured pace in the closing stages and crossed the finish line 1.2 seconds ahead of Kato, with Taponen holding third.
Ugochukwuâs fourth place earned the 12 points required to tie Slater. He moves ahead on countback through race wins and will start second in the final race, while Slater will line up eighth.
Nakamura finished fifth, followed by Alessandro Giusti and Alex Powell. Ernesto Rivera and ThĂ©ophile NaĂ«l placed eighth and ninth, securing the Teamsâ Championship for Campos Racing. PREMA Racingâs James Wharton completed the top 10.
Simone Scanu
Heâs a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.