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16 Mar 2025, Sun

Rafael Câmara shines in the rain and wins on his Formula 3 debut in Melbourne

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Rafael Câmara’s debut in Formula 3 was marked by an outstanding performance at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne. On Sunday, March 16, the Brazilian driver from the Trident team secured a commanding victory from pole to finish in the main race of the season-opening round in 2025. Facing challenging conditions with heavy rain, the young pilot started from pole position and led with authority until the race was cut short due to poor visibility and safety concerns on the track. This triumph placed Câmara at the top of the points standings with 28 points, cementing his status as one of Brazil’s rising stars in motorsport.

The weekend in Melbourne had already hinted at something special for the Pernambucan driver. Before his victory, he dominated the free practice session and clinched pole position during Friday’s qualifying. Despite a setback in Saturday’s sprint race, where a crash on the third lap forced him out, Rafael bounced back brilliantly in the main event. His ability to maintain control in wet conditions, combined with Trident’s strategic prowess, proved decisive in securing the win on his first official outing in the category.

Noah Stromsted, Câmara’s teammate at Trident, finished second, ensuring a one-two finish for the team. The rain, which turned the street circuit into an even greater challenge, demanded precision and caution from the drivers. With multiple safety car interventions throughout the race, the stewards eventually decided to end the event early, sealing the Brazilian’s victory and marking a strong start to his Formula 3 journey.

A debut under pressure at Albert Park

The Albert Park circuit, renowned for hosting the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, presented adverse conditions that pushed the Formula 3 drivers to their limits. Heavy rain during the main race turned the track into a slippery battlefield with little room for error. Rafael Câmara, experiencing a street circuit in the wet for the first time, emphasized the difficulty of sticking to the ideal racing line. Reduced visibility and compromised grip required a cautious yet effective driving style, which the Brazilian executed flawlessly.

Earlier in the weekend, the sprint race had already showcased the potential for surprises in the Australian round. Starting from a less favorable position due to the reversed grid, Câmara was caught in a third-lap incident that ended his run. Mexican driver Santiago Ramos of the VAR team seized the chance and claimed victory in a race also interrupted by two safety car periods. The contrast between Saturday’s disappointment and Sunday’s triumph highlighted Câmara’s resilience, turning adversity into fuel for a standout performance in the decisive race.

The win in the main event wasn’t just a personal milestone for the driver—it also reflected his synergy with Trident. The Italian team, which had signed Câmara for 2025 following his Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA) title in 2024, demonstrated meticulous preparation and teamwork. The one-two finish with Stromsted underscored Trident’s strength, positioning them at the top of the constructors’ standings after the opening round.

From FRECA champion to F3 frontrunner

Rafael Câmara enters Formula 3 with a robust résumé and high expectations. In 2024, the Brazilian clinched the FRECA title with six wins and four additional podiums, establishing himself as a standout talent in the Ferrari Driver Academy. His move to F3, a more competitive category and a stepping stone to Formula 1, was seen as a critical test of his abilities, and his Melbourne performance exceeded even the most optimistic forecasts.

His weekend at Albert Park kicked off with dominance in Thursday’s free practice, setting the pace that led to pole position in qualifying. Consistency was a highlight, despite the sprint race retirement. In the main race, he managed his tires and pace under treacherous conditions, keeping a safe gap to Stromsted and avoiding the mistakes that sidelined others. The result was a convincing victory, placing him atop the championship standings with 28 points.

Câmara’s swift adaptation to Formula 3’s demands is striking. Unlike FRECA, this category requires greater race management and team strategy, particularly on urban tracks like Melbourne. His ability to adjust to the car and handle tough conditions so quickly signals a bright future, both for him and for Brazilian motorsport, which is witnessing the rise of a new star.

Rain challenges in Melbourne

Heavy rain over Albert Park on Sunday drastically altered the dynamics of the Formula 3 main race. The soaked asphalt turned the track into a high-stakes challenge, where grip was confined to a single optimal line. Rafael Câmara described it as one of the toughest scenarios he’s faced, noting that pushing beyond the limit meant losing control entirely. His cautious approach paid off, allowing him to hold the lead despite pressure from Stromsted and safety car interruptions.

Other drivers weren’t as fortunate. The race saw multiple incidents prompting safety car deployments. The final intervention, near the race’s end, led to the stewards’ decision to red-flag the event for safety reasons. This early conclusion locked in Câmara’s win, underscoring how weather conditions shaped the weekend’s outcome.

Mastering wet conditions could prove a defining skill for Câmara this season. Melbourne was just the first test, but his performance suggests he’s well-equipped to tackle challenges ahead. The experience gained in Australia’s rain will be a valuable asset in future races, especially on tracks prone to unpredictable weather.

Key stats and highlights from Rafael Câmara’s debut

Rafael Câmara’s Melbourne performance is quantifiable in numbers that impress for a rookie. Beyond the main race win, he amassed 28 points in the overall standings, thanks to pole position (worth 2 points) and Sunday’s victory (25 points). His sprint race exit didn’t overshadow a weekend that saw him outshine seasoned competitors.

Here are some standout moments from Câmara’s Australian outing:

  • Pole position: Secured on Friday with a lap time that outpaced rivals in dry conditions.
  • Start-to-finish win: Led every lap of the main race, even in the rain.
  • Trident one-two: Teammate Noah Stromsted’s second place cemented the team’s dominance.
  • Championship lead: 28 points, ahead of Stromsted’s 18 in second place.

These achievements highlight a commanding debut, setting a high bar for the rest of the season. Câmara’s blend of individual skill and team support positions him as a contender to watch.

Formula 3 calendar: what’s next

The 2025 Formula 3 season kicked off in Melbourne, but the calendar promises a series of tests for Rafael Câmara and his rivals. The next round is set for April 11-13 at the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain. Unlike Albert Park’s urban layout, Sakhir is a permanent desert track known for high temperatures and long straights, demanding a different approach from the Brazilian.

The season’s schedule includes other key dates, often aligned with Formula 1 events. Confirmed races include:

  • Sakhir (Bahrain): April 11-13.
  • Imola (Italy): Date TBD, typically in May.
  • Monaco: Traditionally late May, one of the toughest circuits.
  • Silverstone (UK): Expected in July, a motorsport landmark.

Câmara has already voiced excitement for Bahrain, where he aims to replicate his debut success. The variety of tracks will test his versatility, but Melbourne’s result suggests he’s up to the task.

Trident’s triumph in Melbourne

Trident emerged from Melbourne as the weekend’s big winner. The main race one-two, with Câmara in first and Stromsted in second, propelled the Italian team to the top of the constructors’ standings. This outcome reflects their 2025 strategy, which involved recruiting Câmara post-FRECA and pairing him with a competitive teammate.

Câmara credited Trident’s support as key to his success. He praised their work in delivering a car suited to the rain-soaked conditions. The team’s strategy—focused on tire preservation and pace management—shone through, securing the win. Melbourne’s result bolsters Trident’s status as a title favorite.

The victory also boosts team morale heading into future rounds. With a strong car and drivers in top form, Trident is well-positioned to maintain its edge. Melbourne served as a statement to competitors, who now face an uphill battle.

A new chapter for Brazilian motorsport

Rafael Câmara embodies a fresh wave of Brazilian talent on the global stage. After years with few breakthroughs, his Formula 3 debut win rekindles hopes of seeing a Brazilian excel in junior categories and potentially reach Formula 1. Backed by the Ferrari Driver Academy since his karting days, he’s on a promising trajectory.

His rise has been swift. At 19, he claimed the 2024 FRECA title and stepped into F3 in 2025, immediately taking the championship lead. Winning in Melbourne’s demanding, rain-hit conditions showcases his blend of skill, maturity, and boldness—qualities vital for the sport’s elite level.

With 28 points and the lead, Câmara now faces the challenge of consistency. Bahrain, the next stop, will test whether he can sustain his momentum. Regardless of what lies ahead, his Albert Park victory is a career milestone and a proud moment for Brazilian motorsport.



Rafael Câmara’s debut in Formula 3 was marked by an outstanding performance at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne. On Sunday, March 16, the Brazilian driver from the Trident team secured a commanding victory from pole to finish in the main race of the season-opening round in 2025. Facing challenging conditions with heavy rain, the young pilot started from pole position and led with authority until the race was cut short due to poor visibility and safety concerns on the track. This triumph placed Câmara at the top of the points standings with 28 points, cementing his status as one of Brazil’s rising stars in motorsport.

The weekend in Melbourne had already hinted at something special for the Pernambucan driver. Before his victory, he dominated the free practice session and clinched pole position during Friday’s qualifying. Despite a setback in Saturday’s sprint race, where a crash on the third lap forced him out, Rafael bounced back brilliantly in the main event. His ability to maintain control in wet conditions, combined with Trident’s strategic prowess, proved decisive in securing the win on his first official outing in the category.

Noah Stromsted, Câmara’s teammate at Trident, finished second, ensuring a one-two finish for the team. The rain, which turned the street circuit into an even greater challenge, demanded precision and caution from the drivers. With multiple safety car interventions throughout the race, the stewards eventually decided to end the event early, sealing the Brazilian’s victory and marking a strong start to his Formula 3 journey.

A debut under pressure at Albert Park

The Albert Park circuit, renowned for hosting the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, presented adverse conditions that pushed the Formula 3 drivers to their limits. Heavy rain during the main race turned the track into a slippery battlefield with little room for error. Rafael Câmara, experiencing a street circuit in the wet for the first time, emphasized the difficulty of sticking to the ideal racing line. Reduced visibility and compromised grip required a cautious yet effective driving style, which the Brazilian executed flawlessly.

Earlier in the weekend, the sprint race had already showcased the potential for surprises in the Australian round. Starting from a less favorable position due to the reversed grid, Câmara was caught in a third-lap incident that ended his run. Mexican driver Santiago Ramos of the VAR team seized the chance and claimed victory in a race also interrupted by two safety car periods. The contrast between Saturday’s disappointment and Sunday’s triumph highlighted Câmara’s resilience, turning adversity into fuel for a standout performance in the decisive race.

The win in the main event wasn’t just a personal milestone for the driver—it also reflected his synergy with Trident. The Italian team, which had signed Câmara for 2025 following his Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA) title in 2024, demonstrated meticulous preparation and teamwork. The one-two finish with Stromsted underscored Trident’s strength, positioning them at the top of the constructors’ standings after the opening round.

From FRECA champion to F3 frontrunner

Rafael Câmara enters Formula 3 with a robust résumé and high expectations. In 2024, the Brazilian clinched the FRECA title with six wins and four additional podiums, establishing himself as a standout talent in the Ferrari Driver Academy. His move to F3, a more competitive category and a stepping stone to Formula 1, was seen as a critical test of his abilities, and his Melbourne performance exceeded even the most optimistic forecasts.

His weekend at Albert Park kicked off with dominance in Thursday’s free practice, setting the pace that led to pole position in qualifying. Consistency was a highlight, despite the sprint race retirement. In the main race, he managed his tires and pace under treacherous conditions, keeping a safe gap to Stromsted and avoiding the mistakes that sidelined others. The result was a convincing victory, placing him atop the championship standings with 28 points.

Câmara’s swift adaptation to Formula 3’s demands is striking. Unlike FRECA, this category requires greater race management and team strategy, particularly on urban tracks like Melbourne. His ability to adjust to the car and handle tough conditions so quickly signals a bright future, both for him and for Brazilian motorsport, which is witnessing the rise of a new star.

Rain challenges in Melbourne

Heavy rain over Albert Park on Sunday drastically altered the dynamics of the Formula 3 main race. The soaked asphalt turned the track into a high-stakes challenge, where grip was confined to a single optimal line. Rafael Câmara described it as one of the toughest scenarios he’s faced, noting that pushing beyond the limit meant losing control entirely. His cautious approach paid off, allowing him to hold the lead despite pressure from Stromsted and safety car interruptions.

Other drivers weren’t as fortunate. The race saw multiple incidents prompting safety car deployments. The final intervention, near the race’s end, led to the stewards’ decision to red-flag the event for safety reasons. This early conclusion locked in Câmara’s win, underscoring how weather conditions shaped the weekend’s outcome.

Mastering wet conditions could prove a defining skill for Câmara this season. Melbourne was just the first test, but his performance suggests he’s well-equipped to tackle challenges ahead. The experience gained in Australia’s rain will be a valuable asset in future races, especially on tracks prone to unpredictable weather.

Key stats and highlights from Rafael Câmara’s debut

Rafael Câmara’s Melbourne performance is quantifiable in numbers that impress for a rookie. Beyond the main race win, he amassed 28 points in the overall standings, thanks to pole position (worth 2 points) and Sunday’s victory (25 points). His sprint race exit didn’t overshadow a weekend that saw him outshine seasoned competitors.

Here are some standout moments from Câmara’s Australian outing:

  • Pole position: Secured on Friday with a lap time that outpaced rivals in dry conditions.
  • Start-to-finish win: Led every lap of the main race, even in the rain.
  • Trident one-two: Teammate Noah Stromsted’s second place cemented the team’s dominance.
  • Championship lead: 28 points, ahead of Stromsted’s 18 in second place.

These achievements highlight a commanding debut, setting a high bar for the rest of the season. Câmara’s blend of individual skill and team support positions him as a contender to watch.

Formula 3 calendar: what’s next

The 2025 Formula 3 season kicked off in Melbourne, but the calendar promises a series of tests for Rafael Câmara and his rivals. The next round is set for April 11-13 at the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain. Unlike Albert Park’s urban layout, Sakhir is a permanent desert track known for high temperatures and long straights, demanding a different approach from the Brazilian.

The season’s schedule includes other key dates, often aligned with Formula 1 events. Confirmed races include:

  • Sakhir (Bahrain): April 11-13.
  • Imola (Italy): Date TBD, typically in May.
  • Monaco: Traditionally late May, one of the toughest circuits.
  • Silverstone (UK): Expected in July, a motorsport landmark.

Câmara has already voiced excitement for Bahrain, where he aims to replicate his debut success. The variety of tracks will test his versatility, but Melbourne’s result suggests he’s up to the task.

Trident’s triumph in Melbourne

Trident emerged from Melbourne as the weekend’s big winner. The main race one-two, with Câmara in first and Stromsted in second, propelled the Italian team to the top of the constructors’ standings. This outcome reflects their 2025 strategy, which involved recruiting Câmara post-FRECA and pairing him with a competitive teammate.

Câmara credited Trident’s support as key to his success. He praised their work in delivering a car suited to the rain-soaked conditions. The team’s strategy—focused on tire preservation and pace management—shone through, securing the win. Melbourne’s result bolsters Trident’s status as a title favorite.

The victory also boosts team morale heading into future rounds. With a strong car and drivers in top form, Trident is well-positioned to maintain its edge. Melbourne served as a statement to competitors, who now face an uphill battle.

A new chapter for Brazilian motorsport

Rafael Câmara embodies a fresh wave of Brazilian talent on the global stage. After years with few breakthroughs, his Formula 3 debut win rekindles hopes of seeing a Brazilian excel in junior categories and potentially reach Formula 1. Backed by the Ferrari Driver Academy since his karting days, he’s on a promising trajectory.

His rise has been swift. At 19, he claimed the 2024 FRECA title and stepped into F3 in 2025, immediately taking the championship lead. Winning in Melbourne’s demanding, rain-hit conditions showcases his blend of skill, maturity, and boldness—qualities vital for the sport’s elite level.

With 28 points and the lead, Câmara now faces the challenge of consistency. Bahrain, the next stop, will test whether he can sustain his momentum. Regardless of what lies ahead, his Albert Park victory is a career milestone and a proud moment for Brazilian motorsport.



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