In a season that has been a showcase of talent, 2024 FIA Formula 3 champion Ugo Ugochukwu secured the title in the most dramatic fashion possible. After a season‑long duel with fellow rookie Freddie Slater, the 21‑year‑old Nigerian driver took the championship in the final race of the calendar in Madrid, clinching the title with a race‑winning performance that left fans and pundits in awe.
Per Formula1.com, Ugochukwu’s victory in the final race was the result of a combination of skill, strategy and a bit of luck. The driver, who has been with the Hitech Grand Prix team since the start of the season, managed to out‑drive Slater in the sprint and then held off a late‑race charge from the British rookie to finish first. The win gave him a 12‑point margin over Slater, the smallest gap in the history of the series, and cemented his place as the most successful rookie in F3 history.
Beyond the numbers, Ugochukwu’s triumph is a milestone for African representation in motorsport. He is the first Nigerian and only the second African to win an FIA Formula 3 championship, following the 2021 title of Lando Norris’s compatriot, the late 2020 champion. The driver has said that his win is a testament to the growing diversity of the sport and a message to young drivers across the continent that a place at the top is attainable.
For Indian fans, the final race was broadcast live on FanCode India, with commentary in Hindi and English. The race began at 3:00 PM IST on 22 October, and the championship decider was shown in its entirety. Fans who missed the live action can catch the full race on the FanCode app, where highlights and post‑race analysis are available. The championship’s conclusion also means that the next step for Ugochukwu will be the FIA Formula 2 series, where he will join the Hitech team in 2025.
Source: Formula1.com
