Ugochukwu claims first Formula 3 win in Melbourne Feature Race

Nigerian-American driver Ugo Ugochukwu celebrated his maiden FIA Formula 3 victory with a commanding performance in the Feature Race in Melbourne, overcoming an early setback to cross the finish line ahead of Britain’s Freddie Slater, The PUNCH reports.

Driving for Campos Racing, the 18-year-old initially dropped to third at the first corner behind polesitter Théophile Nael and Slater but quickly recovered, overtaking Slater at Turn 9 on Lap 2 and then Nael moments later to seize the lead.

Once at the front, Ugochukwu controlled the pace, extending a small gap over the leading trio and managing two Safety Car interruptions, including one on Lap 9 following a crash by Nandhavud Bhirombhakdi and another later when Woohyun Shin retired with suspension damage.

Time penalties reshuffled the order behind him, with Nael receiving five seconds for a false start and Noah Stromsted handed a 10-second penalty for causing contact with Nicola Lacorte. Slater overtook Nael on Lap 20 to secure second, while Japan’s Taito Kato moved into third after penalties were applied.

The victory also puts Ugochukwu atop the Drivers’ Championship standings with 25 points after the season opener. Born in New York City to Nigerian supermodel Oluchi Onweagba and her Italian husband, Ugochukwu previously finished third in the British F4 Championship and runner-up in the 2023 Italian F4 Championship. He also made history in 2024 by becoming the first American in 43 years to win the Macau Grand Prix.

Now part of the new Formula 3 season’s spotlight, Ugochukwu’s impressive debut win signals a strong start to his championship campaign.

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