Skip to content
https://shop.fervogear.com/cart
Ernesto Rivera Scores Thrilling First Win in Spielberg F3 Sprint Race
Highlights
- Ernesto Rivera claimed first FIA Formula 3 win at Red Bull Ring
- Rivera overtook James Wharton using DRS at Turn 4
- Pedro Clerot finished second after late-race overtakes
- Freddie Slater retired early after contact with teammate Noah Stromsted
- Championship leader Ugo Ugochukwu finished tenth, gaining an extra point
- Rivera’s win boosts Campos Racing and season momentum
Ernesto Rivera secures his first FIA Formula 3 victory in the Spielberg Sprint, converting pressure into a decisive move for Campos Racing at the Red Bull Ring.
The Mexican overhauls reverse-grid leader James Wharton with a clean DRS pass into Turn 4, then dictates the pace to the flag.
Starting second, Rivera shadows Wharton early, manages tyre life, and times deployment. After probing several laps, he commits into the uphill braking zone and completes the pass.
Pedro Clerot delivers the stand-out late charge for Rodin Motorsport. Starting the final lap fourth, he sweeps around Jin Nakamura at Turn 3 for third.
Using DRS on the following straight, Clerot then overhauls Wharton for second. Nakamura quickly follows, repassing Wharton at Turn 4 to secure the final podium spot.
Rivera’s Turn 4 move breaks the DRS stalemate and sets up a controlled run to his maiden F3 win.
Wharton, who led the majority, slips to fourth. It underlines how track position at Spielberg can flip quickly within a tightly bunched DRS train.
The race pivots early when Freddie Slater retires after Turn 1 contact with TRIDENT teammate Noah Stromsted, dealing a blow to his title bid.
Freddie Slater retires after Turn 1 contact with teammate Noah Stromsted, reshaping the points picture.
Championship leader Ugo Ugochukwu limits damage with tenth, banking the final point and a small buffer on an attritional morning.
The sprint grid follows F3’s top-12 reverse from qualifying, placing Wharton on pole, while Friday’s session delivered Feature pole for Hayu Yamakoshi. That context magnifies Rivera’s clean execution.
For Campos, Rivera’s win validates race-day execution and tyre management. It also strengthens momentum for a Red Bull Junior Team driver at the brand’s home venue.
Campos converts pressure into points, signalling stronger race-day fundamentals as the season intensifies.
With Silverstone and Spa ahead, form swings loom large. Earlier in June, Naël’s third win reshaped the early season narrative and kept the title fight fluid.
Rivera’s measured aggression and control provide a useful benchmark, raising the bar for rivals as the calendar tightens.
Visual Summary
Rivera’s Breakthrough Win at Turn 4!
?
Pedro Clerot
?
Ernesto Rivera
?
Jin Nakamura
Early Crash!
Slater (title hopeful) — out on lap 1 after contact.
+1pt for Ugo Ugochukwu (keeps title lead).
Rivera’s first F3 victory at the Red Bull Ring jumpstarts his championship quest.
Campos Racing is now a true contender.
The title fight heads to Silverstone and Spa — the battle is just beginning.
Campos Racing is now a true contender.
The title fight heads to Silverstone and Spa — the battle is just beginning.
Zane Muniz writes across NASCAR, IndyCar, F1, IMSA, NHRA, and dirt-racing news. His breaking-news alerts and event previews ensure motorsport fans never miss a lap, drift, or drag-strip showdown.
