Formula 3: SPA
Looking Back to Look Forward with the Formula 3 Rookies
Ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, Formula 3 rookies Freddie Slater, Yevan David, and Kanato Le sat down in a press conference alongside SLICKS MAG. So far, all three have achieved points in their rookie campaigns. The trio discussed a range of topics, from reflecting on their season to looking ahead. Here’s what they had to say about the challenges of Spa-Francorchamps and the importance of adaptability.
Slater and Le Reflect
In his first full season in Formula 3, Slater currently sits second in the championship, just adrift of Ugo Ugochukwu. His strengths have been most evident in the feature races, often finishing on the podium. However, bad luck has plagued his sprint races. SLICKS MAG asked him to reflect on his Saturdays and how he can optimise them going forward. Looking back, the British driver sees “some key moments that went wrong outside our control”, such as safety cars and being taken out.
Acknowledging that there are “key things that haven't quite gone right” in the sprints, the Trident driver has missed out on valuable data. He explained how the lack of mileage has often put him at a disadvantage for the feature races, making his results seem even more impressive. Ultimately, he’s hoping to build a stronger foundation that will allow him to “stay out of trouble” while also setting him up better for Sundays.
Unlike Slater, who participated in two rounds of Formula 3 in 2025, Le has made his debut this year. The Japanese driver has stepped up from Formula Regional with ART Grand Prix, remaining with the French team as he takes on the next stage of his career. “It's been nice to be in a familiar team, ” he reflected, explaining that he has become part of the family. Maintaining that environment, the 19-year-old added, has helped him stay comfortable while adapting to the new challenge of Formula 3.
“It’s one last thing that I need to worry about, ” Le admitted. Understanding the team dynamics and feeling at home has allowed Le to solely focus on his driving. Going forward, he is focused on “working again with the team to deliver the best results possible” — an approach that is already paying off as he continues to improve with each weekend.
The Unpredictability of Spa-Francorchamps
Few circuits embody the challenge of adaptability like Spa-Francorchamps. Over the years, it has remained a favourite track of drivers and fans alike, renowned for its high-speed straights, dramatic elevation changes, and infamously unpredictable weather. While Europe experienced a heatwave, the forecast predicted showers on Friday at the track. With the possibility of a wet qualifying leading into dry races, the trio reflected on how that could affect their preparation for the weekend. All three were quick to show their enjoyment of racing in the rain, with Slater highlighting that the forecast doesn’t give him “a scared factor”.
Although the rain “creates lots of opportunities”, the British driver also acknowledged that it is easier on the drivers compared to the teams: “I think that probably puts a lot more pressure on the teams, let's say, to get everything in the right window and adapt to the situation going into qualifying.” Le echoed that view, adding that “you just have to go there, do your best, and just see what you can do in those conditions.”
David was also quick to shower his praise for the rain and how those conditions “always mix things up.” The Sri Lankan went on to share: “When there's [a] chance [of rain] in Spa, it's probably a pretty high chance of raining at one point.” With showers only forecasted for a single day, the AIX Racing driver also outlined how the team was preparing for the possibility of rain. Their focus was less on dirty air and racing lines, instead looking more at how the changing conditions could affect flat-out qualifying laps. Ultimately, he believes they have to “look at the references, where we can find time, and then just tailor our driving and set up right for whatever condition it is.”
How To Move Forward
With Formula 3 past the halfway point of the season, the rookie campaigns are well underway. Every weekend has brought a new challenge, and the trio reflected on the lessons that shaped their progression so far. For David and Le, it was about being adaptable. The duo reflected on how each track has different conditions between from session to session and how they have had to learn to adapt accordingly. David looked at “how it's very important we have to be on it in all aspects”, even in their simulator sessions, to prepare for a weekend.
Building on David’s comments, Le explained how the drivers must adapt in each session to maximise the available grip. That challenge continues within individual sessions, particularly in qualifying, where each lap brings an evolving track surface. “In every lap it's so different; you know you get a bit more grip each lap, so [you] just have to be on it to do the best and adapt to the conditions as best you can.”
While Slater also highlighted the importance of adaptability, his biggest lesson was different. “One of the biggest things I've learned coming from FRECA, F4, and obviously coming to F3, now I think the biggest thing for me is just keeping it simple and driving with a bit of instinct and a bit of feel.” He believes that it is easy to overcomplicate things and overload on data, so bringing it back and simplifying it has proved a better strategy.
Overall, the rookies are impressing on track as they grow round by round. The trio were excited to experience Spa-Francorchamps whether it stays dry or rains. In their first year, they are focused on developing and learning, and all three are hoping for a positive end to their rookie campaign.
