Formula 3 is finally back for the first time since July, and Campos driver Ernesto Rivera expects to be fighting at the front in Monza.
The battle for the title very much appears to be a two-horse race between Freddie Slater and Ugo Ugochukwu. However, Ernesto Rivera has the opportunity to finish in the top three. Currently sitting fourth in the Drivers’ Standings with 72 points, only 3 points separate the Campos driver from teammate Theophile Nael in third.
The Red Bull Junior stepped up to F3 in 2026 and has made for an impressive rookie campaign. With both Sprint and Feature race wins under his belt, his performance and development have been superb.
His maiden victory came in the form of a Sprint race win in Spielberg, before his maiden Feature race win was secured in Spa two race weekends later. This weekend, the rookie will hope to grab more valuable points for a chance at a top-three spot in the F3 championship.
Rivera talked to media, including Motorsport Week, about his approach this weekend, the split qualifying and new DRS zone, as well as what he expects at the final round in Madrid, in a virtual roundtable ahead of the F3 Italian GP weekend.
Changes around Monza in F3
The penultimate F3 round comes with a new challenge for the 30 drivers to take on. While they are familiar with the Temple of Speed, this season there is an additional DRS zone between turns 10 and 11. Simultaneously, qualifying will follow the format usually reserved for the Monaco Grand Prix. The drivers will be split into two groups, instead of one. The faster group will take over the left side of the grid.
Rivera was asked by Motorsport Week how having an additional DRS zone and split qualifying would change his approach going into the weekend, and whether it would make it more difficult to find the correct setup.
“It probably will change a bit the racing. Maybe you don’t want to overtake before last turn, so they can pass you back on the main straight. It will be interesting. Also, being P1 and breaking the DRS will be super difficult. So last lap should be exciting. I think there’s going to be a lot of changes of position. Yeah, looking forward to it.”
When asked about his approach to a shorter qualifying session versus a normal one, the Campos driver explained that it will be exciting.
“We’ve seen that in Monaco, the groups help a lot because the track is very tight and there’s little space. But here, I think it will be an exciting qualifying session as it has always been in Monza.
“Playing the slimstream game and searching for a good track position, but I think that’s the best they can do to avoid such a mess with the two groups. I think it will be an exciting quali, only having one or two push laps.”
Furthermore, the Mexican driver grabbed victory around Monza last year in Eurocup 3. He emphasised that while Monza always provides exciting racing, he takes lessons from last year with him into this weekend.
“Monza always provides great racing with the long straights and the huge tow effect,” Rivera began.
“With the new DRS zone as well, it will be even bigger. So the guy in P1 will have to fight for it. Also in quali, the tow effect is massive. I learned that in Eurocup last year, improving almost seven tenths without and with a tow, so I know that’s very important now. I expect to have a good result and hopefully the same as last year.”
Approach and mindset into the Italian GP
The 30 F3 drivers have had a summer break since July, which could make the weekend all the more interesting. The break makes it important to know how to bounce back into the right mindset and focus when the race weekend rolls around again.
Asked by Motorsport Week how he gets into the right mindset after the summer break ahead of the penultimate round, Rivera explained that his approach remains the same.
“It was great to have a break after a summer full of races. I will approach it the same as any other weekend.
“Also, I didn’t feel that we were not driving for so long as we had the Madrid test. One week before that, I was already on the team and training. Yeah, good break, but not super long.”
Up next, Madrid
While the grid has not had any races since the end of July, they did participate in a testing session at the new Madring. Several drivers expressed their excitement about the new track and the challenge it presents.
“It was great to be able to drive the track. As we all said before, it’s a very difficult track. Probably the most difficult track I’ve driven yet, and for sure the most difficult this season. Very high speed,” the Campos driver explained when asked about his impression of the new venue.
He continued, “It’s very easy to make a mistake and the wall comes very fast. It’s a very driver’s track. I think it will be difficult to pass in the race, but over one lap it’s super exciting.
“I honestly think it will be hard for the F2 guys only getting the FP and then going straight into quali. There will probably be a red flag. It will be tough for them, but it was great that they let us drive in the circuit.”
Not only is the Madring a new track, but the Madrid weekend also comes with a new format. Instead of a regular race weekend with sessions including Practice, Qualifying, Sprint race, and Feature race, Madrid presents a huge opportunity.
The weekend will consist of two consecutive qualifying sessions and two Feature races. The drivers then have a massive opportunity to take a whopping 50 points over the course of one weekend. This opens up a new opportunity for Rivera to take third in the championship.
Speaking of the challenges he expects in Madrid, Rivera emphasised the importance of keeping it clean early in the weekend.
“It will be a very interesting qualifying format as if you crash in quali one, basically your weekend is over because you will start last in both races or close to last in the first Sprint Race and Feature. I think it will be very important to keep it clean in Q1 and maybe risk a bit more in Q2 because the track is super tight. It’s very easy to crash when you’re going to the limit.”
READ MORE: Monza Magic: A guide to the penultimate Formula 3 Italian Grand Prix
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