Breaking
16 Apr 2025, Wed

Rafael Câmara shines in Formula 3 with Bahrain win and leads by 26 points in 2025

Rafael Câmara.


The young Brazilian driver Rafael Câmara solidified his status as one of motorsport’s brightest prospects by winning the Formula 3 feature race in Bahrain on Sunday, April 13. Representing the Ferrari Driver Academy, the 19-year-old from Pernambuco mirrored the achievement of Gabriel Bortoleto, now a Formula 1 driver, by triumphing in the first two main races of the 2025 season. His victory at Sakhir, coupled with his success at the season opener in Australia, places Câmara on a steep upward trajectory, backed by impressive statistics and historic milestones in the category. Starting from pole position, he dominated the race with authority, extending his championship lead to 26 points over second-placed Tim Tramnitz of Germany.

Expectations for Câmara were high entering the 2025 Formula 3 season, following his championship-winning performance in the 2024 Formula Regional European series. His transition to the FIA’s feeder category has been marked by consistency and speed, qualities that have put him on the radar of teams and analysts. In Bahrain, he not only confirmed his favoritism but also set an unprecedented record: he became the first driver in modern Formula 3 history to secure pole positions in the opening two rounds of the year. This achievement, combined with his victories, strengthens comparisons to Bortoleto, who shone on the same circuits with the Trident team in 2023.

Câmara’s performance in the desert of Sakhir was flawless. He topped the practice sessions, clinched pole on Friday, and in the feature race, held the lead from start to finish, crossing the line over six seconds ahead of Britain’s Callum Voisin. His commanding display underscores his potential to follow in the footsteps of other Formula 3 graduates like Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, now Formula 1 stars.

  • Historic pole streak: Câmara is the first Formula 3 driver to claim pole in the first two rounds of a season.
  • Dominant victory: He led every lap of the feature race, finishing over six seconds clear of the field.
  • Championship lead: With 56 points, Câmara holds a 26-point advantage over Tramnitz.

A blistering start to the season

Rafael Câmara’s 2025 campaign has been nothing short of remarkable, not just for the results but for how he has handled the pressure of being a title favorite. In Australia, the season’s opening round, he showcased his strength by converting pole into victory, outpacing seasoned rivals in a race filled with intense battles. Repeating the feat in Bahrain, a circuit known for its technical demands and challenging weather conditions, highlights his consistency. The 5.412-kilometer Sakhir track, with its long straights and medium-to-high-speed corners, tested Câmara’s skill, and he responded with precision and composure.

Beyond raw talent, the Brazilian benefits from the Ferrari Driver Academy’s robust support system. The Italian program, which has nurtured talents like Charles Leclerc, provides technical expertise, physical and mental training, and access to cutting-edge simulators. These resources have been instrumental in Câmara’s ability to adapt to diverse tracks and conditions. In Bahrain, where intense heat and desert dust demand constant adjustments to car setup and driving style, his adaptability shone through.

Inevitable comparisons to Gabriel Bortoleto

Gabriel Bortoleto, now racing for McLaren in Formula 1, is a natural benchmark for Câmara. In 2023, Bortoleto dominated Formula 3 with Trident, winning the main races in Australia and Bahrain—exactly the same venues where Câmara has now triumphed. The parallels extend further: both drivers competed for the same team, renowned for its success in junior categories, and displayed an aggressive yet calculated driving style. Bortoleto’s 2023 Formula 3 title and 2024 Formula 2 championship serve as a roadmap for what Câmara could achieve.

Bortoleto’s success came against strong competition, and Câmara faces a similarly talented grid. Drivers like Tuukka Taponen, also from the Ferrari Driver Academy, and Callum Voisin, who finished second in Bahrain, are formidable rivals. Câmara’s 26-point lead provides a cushion, but with eight rounds remaining, consistency will be key to maintaining his advantage.

Câmara’s rise is also boosting Brazilian motorsport’s profile. His Bahrain win sparked celebrations among fans on social media, who reveled in hearing the Brazilian anthem played again in an international feeder series. His success underscores the value of driver development programs like the Ferrari Driver Academy, which invest in young talent early on.

  • Bortoleto’s blueprint: Both drivers won in Australia and Bahrain with Trident.
  • Ferrari’s support: The academy’s resources give Câmara a competitive edge.
  • Tough competition: Taponen and Voisin are among the grid’s top challengers.

Challenges of the Sakhir circuit

Bahrain’s Sakhir circuit is one of Formula 3’s toughest tests. Its 5.412-kilometer layout blends long straights, where top speed is critical, with technical corners demanding pinpoint braking and cornering precision. Daytime temperatures exceeding 30°C add another layer of difficulty, making tire management a decisive factor. Câmara navigated these challenges expertly, maintaining his pace even as tire wear intensified.

In Saturday’s sprint race, where the top 12 qualifiers are inverted, Câmara started 12th but fought back to finish seventh, earning valuable points. His recovery showcased his versatility, as sprint races require a more aggressive approach than the feature race. Lessons from such scenarios will prove vital in upcoming rounds, particularly on street circuits like Monaco, where errors are costly.

Trident’s strategy was equally impressive. The team, which guided Bortoleto to the 2023 title, worked seamlessly with Câmara, delivering a well-balanced car for Sakhir’s conditions. Clear communication between driver and engineers ensured the car’s setup was optimized across sessions, enabling Câmara to chase pole and victory.

Historic milestones in Formula 3

Câmara’s Bahrain win is more than just a race result—it’s a historic moment. His pole position on Friday marked the first time a driver secured the top spot in the opening two rounds of a modern Formula 3 season. The last comparable achievement was in 2015, in the GP3 series (Formula 3’s predecessor), when Italy’s Luca Ghiotto took back-to-back poles. Unlike Câmara, Ghiotto didn’t win both races, making the Brazilian’s feat even more notable.

Câmara’s championship lead is equally striking. With 56 points after two rounds, he has earned 25 points per victory, two for each pole, and one for the fastest lap in Bahrain, totaling 28 points in the round. His 26-point gap over Tramnitz exceeds the value of a single race win, giving him a significant early edge.

Formula 3’s 2025 season features ten rounds, with sprint and feature races at each. The sprint race’s reverse-grid format introduces unpredictability but rewards consistency. Câmara has capitalized on this, scoring points even from a tough starting position in the Bahrain sprint.

  • Unprecedented record: Câmara is the first to take consecutive poles in Formula 3’s modern era.
  • Points haul: His 56 points reflect dominance across all scoring opportunities.
  • Race format: The sprint’s reverse grid tests drivers’ adaptability.

Formula 3 2025 calendar

The 2025 Formula 3 season is shaping up to be fiercely competitive, and Câmara’s early success sets the stage for an exciting year. Following Australia and Bahrain, the championship moves to iconic circuits, each presenting unique challenges. The diverse calendar, spanning street tracks and traditional racetracks, demands constant adaptation from drivers.

Upcoming races include:

  • Barcelona, Spain: May 9-11, with high-speed corners and long straights.
  • Monaco: May 22-25, a street circuit where precision is paramount.
  • Silverstone, UK: June 27-29, known for its history and variable weather.
  • Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium: July 25-27, featuring challenging sectors like Eau Rouge.
  • Hungaroring, Hungary: August 1-3, a tight track requiring sustained pace.
  • Monza, Italy: September 5-7, the temple of speed.
  • Zandvoort, Netherlands: September 26-28, with banked corners and dunes.
  • Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi: December 5-7, the season finale.

Each round offers Câmara a chance to solidify his lead or face new obstacles. Tracks like Monaco and Monza are renowned for crowning exceptional talents but also punishing mistakes. His consistency will be tested in these high-stakes environments.

Ferrari Driver Academy’s role

The Ferrari Driver Academy is designed to mold world-class drivers, and Rafael Câmara is among its most promising talents. Established in 2009, the Italian program identifies young drivers and equips them with the tools to succeed in professional motorsport. Beyond technical support, it offers psychological coaching and physical conditioning, critical for enduring the demands of Formula 3.

Câmara joined the academy in 2021 after excelling in karting and regional formulas. His development has included rigorous simulator sessions at Ferrari’s Maranello facility and guidance from seasoned engineers. This foundation has fueled his seamless transition to Formula 3, where he competes against drivers from rival programs like Red Bull and Alpine.

Another Ferrari academy driver, Tuukka Taponen, adds intrigue to the Formula 3 grid. Taponen’s fourth-place finish in Bahrain’s feature race signals his potential, creating a healthy rivalry within the program. Such competition drives both drivers to elevate their performances.

Boosting Brazilian motorsport

Rafael Câmara’s success comes at a pivotal moment for Brazilian motorsport. After years of limited presence in international feeder series, Brazil is experiencing a resurgence, led by talents like Bortoleto, Caio Collet, and now Câmara. The Bahrain victory, broadcast live by BandSports, ignited excitement among Brazilian fans, who flooded social media with praise for the young driver.

Câmara’s rise highlights the importance of grassroots investment. In Brazil, programs like the Shell Academy and private sponsorships have supported emerging drivers, but the journey to global categories remains costly. Câmara’s path—from karting at age seven to Formula 3 stardom—offers hope to aspiring racers.

His Ferrari affiliation amplifies his impact. Competing under one of motorsport’s most iconic brands, Câmara proves Brazilian drivers can rival the world’s best, even in a European-dominated sport. His championship lead signals Brazil’s potential to reclaim a prominent place in Formula 1.

  • Brazilian resurgence: Câmara and Bortoleto headline a new generation.
  • Grassroots support: Sponsorships are vital for feeder series success.
  • Ferrari’s platform: The academy gives Câmara global exposure.

Next steps in the season

With two feature race wins, Rafael Câmara is the driver to beat. His 26-point lead is substantial, but Formula 3’s unpredictability—driven by crashes, penalties, and tire strategies—demands vigilance. Barcelona, the next round in May, will test his versatility on a track blending speed, traction, and aerodynamics. Câmara’s 2024 experience there in Formula Regional could help, though Formula 3’s fiercer competition raises the stakes.

Preparation for upcoming races involves extensive simulator work and in-depth reviews of past performances. Trident’s ability to deliver a competitive car has been crucial, but fine-tuning will be needed for each circuit. Câmara’s confidence, buoyed by his Bahrain result, will drive his pursuit of further success.

Looking ahead

Câmara’s Formula 3 performances are opening doors to greater opportunities. A strong 2025 could propel him to Formula 2 in 2026, a critical step toward Formula 1. The Ferrari Driver Academy is closely monitoring his progress, and a Formula 3 title would bolster his case for further investment, potentially including F1 test drives.

Beyond racing, Câmara carries the weight of representing Brazil globally. His victories are rekindling national interest in motorsport, echoing the legacy of Ayrton Senna, Nelson Piquet, and Emerson Fittipaldi. Brazil’s passionate fanbase is watching his every move.

The 2025 season holds many challenges, but Câmara’s start suggests he’s ready. His blend of speed, strategy, and consistency makes him a title contender, and each race is a chance to cement his status as a future motorsport star.



The young Brazilian driver Rafael Câmara solidified his status as one of motorsport’s brightest prospects by winning the Formula 3 feature race in Bahrain on Sunday, April 13. Representing the Ferrari Driver Academy, the 19-year-old from Pernambuco mirrored the achievement of Gabriel Bortoleto, now a Formula 1 driver, by triumphing in the first two main races of the 2025 season. His victory at Sakhir, coupled with his success at the season opener in Australia, places Câmara on a steep upward trajectory, backed by impressive statistics and historic milestones in the category. Starting from pole position, he dominated the race with authority, extending his championship lead to 26 points over second-placed Tim Tramnitz of Germany.

Expectations for Câmara were high entering the 2025 Formula 3 season, following his championship-winning performance in the 2024 Formula Regional European series. His transition to the FIA’s feeder category has been marked by consistency and speed, qualities that have put him on the radar of teams and analysts. In Bahrain, he not only confirmed his favoritism but also set an unprecedented record: he became the first driver in modern Formula 3 history to secure pole positions in the opening two rounds of the year. This achievement, combined with his victories, strengthens comparisons to Bortoleto, who shone on the same circuits with the Trident team in 2023.

Câmara’s performance in the desert of Sakhir was flawless. He topped the practice sessions, clinched pole on Friday, and in the feature race, held the lead from start to finish, crossing the line over six seconds ahead of Britain’s Callum Voisin. His commanding display underscores his potential to follow in the footsteps of other Formula 3 graduates like Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, now Formula 1 stars.

  • Historic pole streak: Câmara is the first Formula 3 driver to claim pole in the first two rounds of a season.
  • Dominant victory: He led every lap of the feature race, finishing over six seconds clear of the field.
  • Championship lead: With 56 points, Câmara holds a 26-point advantage over Tramnitz.

A blistering start to the season

Rafael Câmara’s 2025 campaign has been nothing short of remarkable, not just for the results but for how he has handled the pressure of being a title favorite. In Australia, the season’s opening round, he showcased his strength by converting pole into victory, outpacing seasoned rivals in a race filled with intense battles. Repeating the feat in Bahrain, a circuit known for its technical demands and challenging weather conditions, highlights his consistency. The 5.412-kilometer Sakhir track, with its long straights and medium-to-high-speed corners, tested Câmara’s skill, and he responded with precision and composure.

Beyond raw talent, the Brazilian benefits from the Ferrari Driver Academy’s robust support system. The Italian program, which has nurtured talents like Charles Leclerc, provides technical expertise, physical and mental training, and access to cutting-edge simulators. These resources have been instrumental in Câmara’s ability to adapt to diverse tracks and conditions. In Bahrain, where intense heat and desert dust demand constant adjustments to car setup and driving style, his adaptability shone through.

Inevitable comparisons to Gabriel Bortoleto

Gabriel Bortoleto, now racing for McLaren in Formula 1, is a natural benchmark for Câmara. In 2023, Bortoleto dominated Formula 3 with Trident, winning the main races in Australia and Bahrain—exactly the same venues where Câmara has now triumphed. The parallels extend further: both drivers competed for the same team, renowned for its success in junior categories, and displayed an aggressive yet calculated driving style. Bortoleto’s 2023 Formula 3 title and 2024 Formula 2 championship serve as a roadmap for what Câmara could achieve.

Bortoleto’s success came against strong competition, and Câmara faces a similarly talented grid. Drivers like Tuukka Taponen, also from the Ferrari Driver Academy, and Callum Voisin, who finished second in Bahrain, are formidable rivals. Câmara’s 26-point lead provides a cushion, but with eight rounds remaining, consistency will be key to maintaining his advantage.

Câmara’s rise is also boosting Brazilian motorsport’s profile. His Bahrain win sparked celebrations among fans on social media, who reveled in hearing the Brazilian anthem played again in an international feeder series. His success underscores the value of driver development programs like the Ferrari Driver Academy, which invest in young talent early on.

  • Bortoleto’s blueprint: Both drivers won in Australia and Bahrain with Trident.
  • Ferrari’s support: The academy’s resources give Câmara a competitive edge.
  • Tough competition: Taponen and Voisin are among the grid’s top challengers.

Challenges of the Sakhir circuit

Bahrain’s Sakhir circuit is one of Formula 3’s toughest tests. Its 5.412-kilometer layout blends long straights, where top speed is critical, with technical corners demanding pinpoint braking and cornering precision. Daytime temperatures exceeding 30°C add another layer of difficulty, making tire management a decisive factor. Câmara navigated these challenges expertly, maintaining his pace even as tire wear intensified.

In Saturday’s sprint race, where the top 12 qualifiers are inverted, Câmara started 12th but fought back to finish seventh, earning valuable points. His recovery showcased his versatility, as sprint races require a more aggressive approach than the feature race. Lessons from such scenarios will prove vital in upcoming rounds, particularly on street circuits like Monaco, where errors are costly.

Trident’s strategy was equally impressive. The team, which guided Bortoleto to the 2023 title, worked seamlessly with Câmara, delivering a well-balanced car for Sakhir’s conditions. Clear communication between driver and engineers ensured the car’s setup was optimized across sessions, enabling Câmara to chase pole and victory.

Historic milestones in Formula 3

Câmara’s Bahrain win is more than just a race result—it’s a historic moment. His pole position on Friday marked the first time a driver secured the top spot in the opening two rounds of a modern Formula 3 season. The last comparable achievement was in 2015, in the GP3 series (Formula 3’s predecessor), when Italy’s Luca Ghiotto took back-to-back poles. Unlike Câmara, Ghiotto didn’t win both races, making the Brazilian’s feat even more notable.

Câmara’s championship lead is equally striking. With 56 points after two rounds, he has earned 25 points per victory, two for each pole, and one for the fastest lap in Bahrain, totaling 28 points in the round. His 26-point gap over Tramnitz exceeds the value of a single race win, giving him a significant early edge.

Formula 3’s 2025 season features ten rounds, with sprint and feature races at each. The sprint race’s reverse-grid format introduces unpredictability but rewards consistency. Câmara has capitalized on this, scoring points even from a tough starting position in the Bahrain sprint.

  • Unprecedented record: Câmara is the first to take consecutive poles in Formula 3’s modern era.
  • Points haul: His 56 points reflect dominance across all scoring opportunities.
  • Race format: The sprint’s reverse grid tests drivers’ adaptability.

Formula 3 2025 calendar

The 2025 Formula 3 season is shaping up to be fiercely competitive, and Câmara’s early success sets the stage for an exciting year. Following Australia and Bahrain, the championship moves to iconic circuits, each presenting unique challenges. The diverse calendar, spanning street tracks and traditional racetracks, demands constant adaptation from drivers.

Upcoming races include:

  • Barcelona, Spain: May 9-11, with high-speed corners and long straights.
  • Monaco: May 22-25, a street circuit where precision is paramount.
  • Silverstone, UK: June 27-29, known for its history and variable weather.
  • Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium: July 25-27, featuring challenging sectors like Eau Rouge.
  • Hungaroring, Hungary: August 1-3, a tight track requiring sustained pace.
  • Monza, Italy: September 5-7, the temple of speed.
  • Zandvoort, Netherlands: September 26-28, with banked corners and dunes.
  • Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi: December 5-7, the season finale.

Each round offers Câmara a chance to solidify his lead or face new obstacles. Tracks like Monaco and Monza are renowned for crowning exceptional talents but also punishing mistakes. His consistency will be tested in these high-stakes environments.

Ferrari Driver Academy’s role

The Ferrari Driver Academy is designed to mold world-class drivers, and Rafael Câmara is among its most promising talents. Established in 2009, the Italian program identifies young drivers and equips them with the tools to succeed in professional motorsport. Beyond technical support, it offers psychological coaching and physical conditioning, critical for enduring the demands of Formula 3.

Câmara joined the academy in 2021 after excelling in karting and regional formulas. His development has included rigorous simulator sessions at Ferrari’s Maranello facility and guidance from seasoned engineers. This foundation has fueled his seamless transition to Formula 3, where he competes against drivers from rival programs like Red Bull and Alpine.

Another Ferrari academy driver, Tuukka Taponen, adds intrigue to the Formula 3 grid. Taponen’s fourth-place finish in Bahrain’s feature race signals his potential, creating a healthy rivalry within the program. Such competition drives both drivers to elevate their performances.

Boosting Brazilian motorsport

Rafael Câmara’s success comes at a pivotal moment for Brazilian motorsport. After years of limited presence in international feeder series, Brazil is experiencing a resurgence, led by talents like Bortoleto, Caio Collet, and now Câmara. The Bahrain victory, broadcast live by BandSports, ignited excitement among Brazilian fans, who flooded social media with praise for the young driver.

Câmara’s rise highlights the importance of grassroots investment. In Brazil, programs like the Shell Academy and private sponsorships have supported emerging drivers, but the journey to global categories remains costly. Câmara’s path—from karting at age seven to Formula 3 stardom—offers hope to aspiring racers.

His Ferrari affiliation amplifies his impact. Competing under one of motorsport’s most iconic brands, Câmara proves Brazilian drivers can rival the world’s best, even in a European-dominated sport. His championship lead signals Brazil’s potential to reclaim a prominent place in Formula 1.

  • Brazilian resurgence: Câmara and Bortoleto headline a new generation.
  • Grassroots support: Sponsorships are vital for feeder series success.
  • Ferrari’s platform: The academy gives Câmara global exposure.

Next steps in the season

With two feature race wins, Rafael Câmara is the driver to beat. His 26-point lead is substantial, but Formula 3’s unpredictability—driven by crashes, penalties, and tire strategies—demands vigilance. Barcelona, the next round in May, will test his versatility on a track blending speed, traction, and aerodynamics. Câmara’s 2024 experience there in Formula Regional could help, though Formula 3’s fiercer competition raises the stakes.

Preparation for upcoming races involves extensive simulator work and in-depth reviews of past performances. Trident’s ability to deliver a competitive car has been crucial, but fine-tuning will be needed for each circuit. Câmara’s confidence, buoyed by his Bahrain result, will drive his pursuit of further success.

Looking ahead

Câmara’s Formula 3 performances are opening doors to greater opportunities. A strong 2025 could propel him to Formula 2 in 2026, a critical step toward Formula 1. The Ferrari Driver Academy is closely monitoring his progress, and a Formula 3 title would bolster his case for further investment, potentially including F1 test drives.

Beyond racing, Câmara carries the weight of representing Brazil globally. His victories are rekindling national interest in motorsport, echoing the legacy of Ayrton Senna, Nelson Piquet, and Emerson Fittipaldi. Brazil’s passionate fanbase is watching his every move.

The 2025 season holds many challenges, but Câmara’s start suggests he’s ready. His blend of speed, strategy, and consistency makes him a title contender, and each race is a chance to cement his status as a future motorsport star.



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