James Wharton Reunites with PREMA for 2026 F3 Campaign

James Wharton, the 19-year-old Australian talent, is set to return to PREMA Racing for the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship. This reunion marks a significant moment for Wharton, who previously achieved considerable success with the Italian powerhouse during his junior career, including a dominant 2023 F4 UAE title.

Why it matters:

• Wharton's return to PREMA, a team renowned for nurturing champions and boasting an unparalleled record in modern F3, signals a strong intent for his 2026 campaign. For PREMA, it's about re-establishing dominance after an uncharacteristically challenging 2025 season.
• This move positions Wharton with one of the best chances to contend for the F3 title, a critical step in his progression towards Formula 1.

The Details:

• Proven Partnership: Wharton's earlier stint with PREMA saw him secure 11 wins and the 2023 F4 UAE title, demonstrating a strong synergy between driver and team.
• Recent Form: Despite a mixed rookie F3 season with ART Grand Prix, Wharton showcased his potential with a breakthrough Sprint Race victory in Austria, marking the first F3 win for an Australian since Jack Doohan in 2021.
• Testing Underway: Wharton has already participated in post-season testing with PREMA at Jerez and will continue preparations at Barcelona and Imola, ensuring he is fully integrated and comfortable with the team and car for 2026.
• Team's Track Record: PREMA has claimed five out of six team titles since the F3 championship's 2019 relaunch, and has delivered three F3 drivers' titles, including one for fellow Australian Oscar Piastri in 2020. They hold a total of 37 race victories from 130 starts.
• Wharton's Enthusiasm: Expressing his excitement, Wharton stated, "Going into testing is about getting comfortable with the car and back with the team, and to make full preparations to enter 2026 on the right foot and be able to start strong at home in Melbourne."

The Big Picture:

Wharton's return to PREMA aligns him with a team known for producing F1-caliber talent. After a 2025 season where PREMA finished seventh overall, the team will be eager to reclaim its top spot, and a driver with a strong history like Wharton could be the key. For Wharton, it's an opportunity to leverage a familiar environment and a championship-winning structure to make a significant impact in his second F3 season.

What's next:

With post-season testing already in full swing, the focus will be on fine-tuning the car and building a strong foundation for the 2026 season. The expectation will be for Wharton to be a consistent front-runner and a strong contender for the championship, aiming to follow in the footsteps of previous PREMA F3 champions like Oscar Piastri.