In a historic and emotional morning at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Ivan Domingues brought glory to Portugal by winning the FIA Formula 3 Sprint Race at the Spanish Grand Prix — ending a 12-year drought for Portuguese victories in the category.
The 19-year-old rookie from Leiria, starting from 6th on the grid, delivered a masterclass in racecraft, surging to the front by Turn 3 of Lap 1 and never looking back. His brilliant start and flawless control throughout the race ensured the Portuguese national anthem played in Barcelona — a sound not heard in F3 since António Félix da Costa’s triumph over a decade ago.
🏁 A Victory for the History Books
Domingues showcased nerves of steel as he held off seasoned challengers, managing tire degradation with precision and defending his lead with maturity far beyond his years. Under pressure from rivals in the final laps, the young Portuguese kept his composure to cross the finish line first, making a statement on the world stage.
“I can’t put it into words,” Domingues said post-race. “Hearing the anthem, seeing the flag — it’s a dream I’ve had since I was a kid. I hope this is just the beginning for Portuguese motorsport.”
📈 What This Win Means
- First Portuguese F3 win since 2012 (António Félix da Costa)
- Domingues is now firmly on the radar as one of the brightest new prospects in junior formula racing.
- A massive morale boost ahead of the Feature Race and the rest of the F3 season.
🇵🇹 Portugal Rising Again in Motorsport
With this win, Ivan Domingues becomes the new torchbearer for Portuguese talent in single-seaters, following in the footsteps of Félix da Costa and Pedro Lamy. His performance sends a clear message: Portugal is back on the motorsport map — and ready to fight for more.
From Leiria to Barcelona, Ivan Domingues has announced his arrival — and the world of racing is officially on notice. 🏆🇵🇹🔥
