Mansell steps up to ‘incredible’ F3 drive

By Thomas Miles

Date posted: November 29, 2022

Australia has another local to cheer for at the Australian Grand Prix next year with 17-year-old Christian Mansell announcing he has signed with Campos to race the entire 2023 FIA Formula 3 season.

Mansell is no stranger to the F3 world having raced at the Hungarian and Belgium Grands Prix this year and reached the chequered flag in three of the four races.

He also participated in two days of the post-season test in Jerez driving a Campos car, finishing inside the top 10 for the Spanish team in the opening session.

After racing in Europe for three years Mansell said he feels ready for the step up.

“To be joining Campos for FIA F3 in 2023 is such an incredible honour, and achievement,” said Mansell.

“With a strong showing in the latter part of the season it gives me confidence I can do well in my opening year in FIA F3. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!”

Christian Mansell made his F3 debut at Hungary this year. Image: dutchphotoagency

Mansell’s signature creates the dream scenario for fans coming to Albert Park with Australians racing in the three highest open-wheel categories with Jack Doohan and Oscar Piastri also in F2 and F1 respectively.

The Newcastle born and bred racer started his career aged nine and made his single-seater debut in 2019 before overcoming Type 1 Diabetes and moving to Europe moments before the arrival of COVID-19.

After back to back top 10 finishes in the British F4 and GB3 championships, Mansell took on the competitive Euroformula Open Championship in 2022 and was a consistent force, registering three wins and 15 podiums to finish third in the standings despite a “scary” crash at Monza.

The young gun received the chance to get a taste of life as an F3 driver at two Grands Prix this year and showed he had what it takes to handle the cars, finishing three of the four races.

He said the experience puts him in a good position to race in F3 and chase his F1 dream.

“It takes the pressure off because I am used to all of the systems and different buttons,” he said.

“It is not foreign and takes away all of the rookie errors you could make in your first time, so to get it out of the way is really good.

“At this point I am on the trajectory to get to Formula 1 and chase the dream.

“The likelihood of that happening is super low, but it is like that for everyone, so why can’t I have a crack?”

Having endured many highs and lows in a short career, Mansell is prepared for whatever F3 throws at him.

Campos Racing Team Principal Adrián Campos said he is already impressed at Mansell’s character and believes he has what it takes to perform on the world stage.

“I would like to extend a warm welcome to Christian (Mansell) on behalf of Campos Racing.” he said.

“It will be a huge challenge for him as it will be his rookie season in the FIA Formula 3, which is an extremely competitive racing series.

“His previous results, a race winner in other championships, explain well he is a talented driver.

“Besides, due to his diabetic condition, Christian is an example to follow for everybody as he proves what you can achieve with commitment and determination, even at the highest motorsport level.”

For more of the latest motorsport news pick up the latest issue of AUTO ACTION.

AUTO ACTION, Australia’s independent voice of motorsport.

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Mansell steps up to ‘incredible’ F3 drive

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