Wharton puts Australia back on top in F3
For the first time in four years an Australia is on the top step of an FIA Formula 3 podium after James Wharton took a stunning breakthrough win in the Austrian Sprint Race.
Starting from pole position in the reverse grid affair after qualifying a personal best 10th, Wharton controlled the intense 21-lapper from start to finish.
It is an extraordinary result given the ART driver sat 25th in the standings with only one points finish so far in the season, with eighth in the last Sprint at Catalunya.
But he showcased the talent that got him to the third tier by holding off some serious challenges from runner-up Alessandro Giusti.
Despite numerous interruptions, Wharton nailed each restart and defended well, especially at Turn 4.
The last Australian F3 win was scored by Jack Doohan at Sochi back in 2021.
Wharton showed no nerves from the pole and led the field away.
Despite Giusti looking dangerous in his slipstream, Wharton’s weaving meant he was able to break the tow and deny the MP Motorsport driver any thoughts of a dive at Turns 3 and 4.
Amazingly, the Aussie found great speed through the high-speed section to pull a second clear after the opening lap.
However, his advantage was wiped out by a Lap 2 Safety Car for a clash at Turn 3 that wiped out, Tuukka Taponen, Christian Ho and Kiwi Louis Sharp.
Wharton nailed the restart and set the fastest lap to reestablish his dominance as further back Brando Badoer, Nikola Tsolov and Camara fought hard to stay in the top five at the top end of the track.
Brad Benavides and Bruno del Pino did some dogmen cars at Turn 3 and took each other out, but the race stayed green despite some debris.
Lap 7 Wharton was back on the defensive at Schlossgold, covering Giusti at the and made an even bigger attack at the same corner the following lap.
On this occasion, he went up wheel to wheel on the outside, but Wharton held firm.
3 tried to get into the battle, but found the gravel coming out of and lost third.
Importantly, this promoted Wurz to third, and he was also looking racey, challenging Giusti to give Wharton some respite.
Camara dropped out of contention after running wide when side by side with Tsolov coming out of Schlossgold.
As the race hit the halfway mark, Wharton stayed in control, but not by much with Giusti applying the pressure.
There was chaos behind them as home hero Charlie Wurz was taken out of third through no fault of his own.
Badoer completely misjudged the braking zone when attempting to steal fourth and torpedoed the Austrian, sending the pair spinning.
With the Trident driver stuck, a second Safety Car was required on Lap 14.
The stoppage set up a nervy four-lap dash to the chequered flag and again the Aussie nailed the launch to gain eight tenths up his sleeve.
This gap grew to beyond a second to ensure he did not have to deal with DRS in the closing laps to complete a dominant drive.
image: ART
2025 Austrian Grand Prix Schedule:
Friday, June 27:
FP1: 21:30 – 22:30
Saturday, June 28:
FP2: 01:00 – 02:00
FP3: 20:30 – 21:30
Sunday, June 29:
Qualifying: 00:00 – 01:00
Race: 23:00
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