Nigerian-American teenager Ugochukwu wins Formula 3 title

September 13, 2026 2:19 pm

Nigerian-American driver, Ugo Ugochukwu, became the first Formula 3 champion from the United States after finishing second in the final race of the 2026 season in Madrid, Spain, on Sunday.

Formula 1 announced the result in a post on its X handle on Sunday, saying the 19-year-old secured the title ahead of British driver Freddie Slater, finishing the championship on 159 points, 14 points clear of Slater.

Ugochukwu, who drives for Campos Racing, entered the final round level on points with Slater after trailing the Briton earlier in the season.

Formula 1 said Ugochukwu kept out of trouble to finish second and secure the championship, while Finland’s Tuukka Taponen won the final race to claim his maiden F3 victory.

Taponen held the lead from pole position into Turn 1 and controlled the gap to Ugochukwu behind, before a late Safety Car set up a final-lap sprint.

The Finnish driver remained in front to take victory, while Ugochukwu finished second and Pedro Clerot completed the podium in third.

Slater, an Audi Development Driver, finished eighth, leaving him second in the championship standings on 145 points.

Speaking after securing the title, Ugochukwu said, “We knew we just had to keep it clean to clinch the title, and that’s what we did. No mistakes, brought it home and super pleased.”

Born and raised in New York City, Ugochukwu is the son of Nigerian fashion model Oluchi Onweagba and her Italian husband.

He follows in the footsteps of former F3 champions Oscar Piastri and Gabriel Bortoleto, who now race in Formula One for McLaren and Audi respectively.

The Formula 3 championship is one rung below Formula Two on the single-seater ladder leading to Formula One.

Saheed Oyelakin

Saheed is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over two years of experience covering metro, technology, sports, politics, and human-interest stories. He focuses on producing clear, engaging reports across diverse beats. Saheed’s work reflects hands-on newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate and balanced journalism.

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