Wharton and Sharp Eye F3 Glory with Prema in 2026

James Wharton and Louis Sharp are set to join forces at Prema for the 2026 F3 season, with both drivers eager to leverage their rookie year experiences into a championship challenge. Wharton, an Australian race winner, views the move as a homecoming, while Sharp, a New Zealand talent, sees it as a prime opportunity to translate potential into results with the historically dominant Italian team.

Why it matters:

Ferrari junior James Wharton and talented New Zealander Louis Sharp joining Prema, a team with a strong F3 championship pedigree, signals a potent new driver lineup aiming to restore Prema's dominance and contend for the 2026 F3 title. Their individual ambitions and a budding Trans-Tasman rivalry could make for a compelling season, with both drivers seeking to follow in the footsteps of F1 stars like Oscar Piastri.

The Details:

• Wharton's Return to Prema: James Wharton, the first Australian to win an F3 race since Jack Doohan in 2021, returns to Prema, where he previously competed in junior categories. He describes the move as a "homecoming" and is confident it's the right environment to rediscover his best form and contend for the championship.
• Sharp's Strategic Move: Louis Sharp joins Prema after a challenging but insightful rookie season with Rodin Motorsport, which included points finishes in Monaco and a fourth-place sprint race finish in Imola. He sees Prema, known for its strong history in junior motorsport and F1 driver promotion, as the ideal team to convert his learnings into consistent results.
• Post-Season Testing Success: Both drivers have already completed post-season testing with Prema, alongside new teammate Enzo Deligny. Wharton frequently featured in the top 10 across eight sessions, while Sharp was in the top 10 for four, with both recording a best result of third in separate runs.
• Prema's Comeback: After an uncharacteristically difficult 2025 season where they finished seventh, Prema remains the benchmark in F3, boasting 37 race wins and five teams' titles since 2019. Wharton and Sharp are focused on helping the team return to its winning ways.
• National Pride and Rivalry: Wharton is driven by national pride, aiming to put the Australian flag back on top and emulate Oscar Piastri's success. Sharp looks to continue New Zealand's strong association with Prema, following in Marcus Armstrong's footsteps. A friendly but fierce Trans-Tasman rivalry is already brewing between them.

What's Next:

Both Wharton and Sharp are targeting consistency, strong teamwork, and refined racecraft as central to their 2026 title push. They expect to carry significant pressure, particularly with Wharton's home race in Melbourne kicking off the season. Their shared ambition, coupled with their competitive rivalry, sets the stage for a potentially thrilling 2026 Formula 3 season as they aim for consistent podiums and race wins, ultimately vying for the championship title.