As the dust settles on the Australian Grand Prix, Ivan Domingues is already looking to the future, eager to build on his maiden Formula 3 outing. The young Portuguese driver, just 18 years old, finished 19th in the main race, which was marked by heavy rain and multiple safety car interventions. Despite the challenges, Domingues remained positive, acknowledging that the weekend was a valuable learning experience. “I knew this first season in Formula 3 would be tough, full of challenges and competitiveness,” he reflected. “Now, I’ll focus on preparing for Bahrain and another chance to grow and improve.”
Domingues started from 25th on the grid, and while the wet conditions and numerous accidents made for a chaotic race, he managed to navigate the treacherous track with caution. The safety car was deployed on multiple occasions, limiting the actual racing time to just eight laps. In the preceding sprint race, Domingues had finished 20th, also in wet conditions, and he noted that he could have achieved a better result in the main event. “It’s a shame we lost so many laps to the safety car, but safety has to be the priority,” he said. “I focused on maintaining a consistent pace, avoiding mistakes and incidents, and felt comfortable driving in the rain. I was faster than the drivers immediately ahead of me, and I believe I could have achieved a more positive result.”
The Leiria-born driver viewed the Australian weekend as a crucial learning experience, both in terms of getting to know the track and the car. “It was a lot to take in, but I’m aware that I have a lot to learn and improve on,” he admitted. “I’ll take it one step at a time, gradually increasing my pace and gaining experience. I knew this first season in Formula 3 would be packed with challenges, but I’m ready to face them head-on.” With the Bahrain Grand Prix on the horizon, scheduled for April 11-13, Domingues is already gearing up for the next test. As he prepares to take on the desert track, he’s focused on building momentum and continuing his growth as a driver.
The Formula 3 championship will resume in Bahrain, and Domingues is eager to put his skills to the test once again. With a deeper understanding of the car and the track, he’s aiming to make strides and climb the ranks. As he looks to the future, Domingues is drawing on the lessons learned in Australia, where he demonstrated his ability to adapt to challenging conditions and push through adversity. The young Portuguese driver is ready to face whatever challenges come his way, determined to make a name for himself in the competitive world of Formula 3.