Round 1 – Bahrain – FIA Formula 3

Hitech GP’s 2024 campaign got off to a promising start as Williams Racing Academy driver Luke Browning claimed his maiden FIA F3 race victory in the first Feature Race of a brand-new season.  

Browning controlled an intense 22-lap race, defending brilliantly against constant pressure from his closest challenger, Christian Mansell. The British driver won by just over a second in a thrilling battle that now places him with an early four-point lead in the championship standings.   

Browning was able to hold off the fierce train of drivers behind him, opening up a 1.2s gap by the one-third mark. Mansell responded when he regained DRS, adding pressure from the mid-point of the race.

It was all to play for as the 22-year-old upped the ante, despite fears over an exhaust issue adding to the tension. Engine power was not affected though, and he began extending his lead slowly but surely over Mansell by a few tenths each lap before ultimately clinching the win. 

“It’s great that we’ve carried the momentum from the Macau Grand Prix through the winter and translated that into a positive start to the new season. It’s only the first race, and there’s a long campaign ahead, but it’s nice to be heading to Melbourne leading the Championship.” 

There’s a short break now between Rounds 1 and 2 before Formula 3 heads down under to Melbourne’s Albert Park on March 22-24. 

Sprint Race Result (Friday) 

Martinius Stenshorne  11th  

Luke Browning  15th 

Cian Shields  26th  

Feature Race Result (Saturday) 

Luke Browning – Race Winner – 25 Points  

Martinius Stenshorne  14th 

Cian Shields  26th