As the 2024 FIA Formula 3 Championship gets closer to crowning a champion, let’s take a look at the title fighters.
The 2024 Formula 3 championship has been a season of intense battles, unexpected twists, and standout performances from all 30 drivers on the grid. This intensity has ultimately led to the title fight coming down to the final race in Monza. With only a few points separating the top drivers, this last race will determine who will be crowned champion. Here’s a closer look at the leading contenders who have fought their way to the top.
1. Leonardo Fornaroli – Trident
Currently sitting in first with 129 points, Fornaroli has been the epitome of consistency throughout the 2024 season. Despite not having secured a single race win, he has managed to top the standings through sheer consistency and reliability. Emphasising the statement ‘Consistency is key’. The Trident driver’s six podium finishes have highlighted his ability to maximise his potential every race, avoiding the chaos of Formula 3. Furthermore, capitalising on the mistakes of those around him.
A standout moment of the Italian’s Formula 3 campaign had to be during the Austrian Grand Prix. Qualifying down in twenty-fourth, Fornaroli had a hard task in front of him. However, in the feature race on Sunday, he managed to get some overtakes done and make his way up to ninth place. This was a true showcase of his talent, as it proved his ability to drive through the field and score points. Thus, emphasising the consistent nature of Fornaroli.
In order for Trident to go back to back in drivers championships, Fornaroli will need to score well across the final weekend, to maintain his lead. However, with just a one-point advantage over his closest rival, he needs at least one podium finish and to outscore Minì in both races. Securing pole position and potentially the fastest lap in either race would strengthen his chances.
2. Gabriele Minì – PREMA Racing
Minì has had a strong second season in Formula 3, marked by a mix of podium finishes and a crucial race victory in Monte Carlo. His five podiums and one win demonstrate his competitiveness and ability to perform consistently at a high level. Minì’s driving has been aggressive yet controlled, often pushing the limits to secure important points. Inconsistencies in some races have kept him from keeping his lead of the championship, but his resilience and ability to bounce back have kept him within striking distance of Fornaroli.
A memorable moment from Minì’s F3 journey was the Austrian Feature Race, which saw him battling his PREMA teammate Beganovic and Aussie driver Mansell on the final lap. This battle showed the talent of the Alpine junior driver as he was able to convert fourth into second just in time for the checkered flag. With only a single point separating them, Minì’s hunger for the title will be evident in the final showdown.
In order to win the championship in Monza, Minì needs to outperform Fornaroli by at least one point. A victory in either race or additional points from pole position and fastest laps could secure him the championship.
3. Luke Browning – Hitech Pulse-Eight
Browning’s 2024 season has been a notable one for the Williams academy driver, particularly with his two race wins. His three podium finishes demonstrate his capability to fight at the front, but he’s faced ups and downs throughout the season. Browning’s aggressive approach and willingness to take risks have paid off with significant victories, but they’ve also led to some missed opportunities. Such as the strategic risks taken in the Silverstone feature race. However, the British driver’s raw speed is undeniable, making him a likely contender in the final races.
A memorable moment from his 2024 campaign happens to be his second race win in Austria. In which he was able to lead the entire race from lights out ’til the checkered flag. Holding out the chaos behind him, this once again was a showcase of Brownings’ talent.
If Browning wants to be crowned Formula 3 Champion in 2024, he needs to close a six-point gap to Fornaroli. He would likely need a win in one of the races, preferably the feature race, along with strong finishes in the sprint, and potentially gain pole position or fastest lap points to his chances.
4. Arvid Lindblad- PREMA Racing
Lindblad has been one of the most exciting drivers to watch this season, with his fearless approach in his rookie season leading to four wins and five podium finishes. These performances have emphasised how he could be Red Bull’s next big thing. However, the PREMA driver’s aggressive driving style has also resulted in some erratic performances and lost points, which have kept him from challenging for the top spot more consistently.
One of the standout moments of not only Lindblad’s campaign but the season as a whole, was the rookie driver pulling off a win in both the Sprint and Feature race around the iconic Silverstone circuit. History was made for the then 16-year-old British driver and is a standout moment of the entire season.
In terms of championship fights, Lindblad needs to win both the sprint and feature races and ideally secure pole position and fastest laps to have a shot at the title. Even then, he would need Fornaroli, Minì, and Browning to underperform.
The stage is well and truly set for a show stopping finale. Each of these drivers has had a different journey to this point in the season. With defining moments throughout the course of the year. However, none of those moments were bigger than the race weekend in Monza.
As they enter the final race weekend, it’s all on the line… The championship could truly be decided by the smallest of margins, and that’s what motorsport fans live for.
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