As the checkered flag waved at the season finale of the Formula 3 championship, it’s that time to reflect on both triumphs and disappointments. Among those drivers from the final race of the year with a hint of regret is none other than Pepe Martí.
Martì season in F3
Class 2005, the sole double zero of 2023 for Jose Maria Martì came at Monza in a weekend that got off to a rough start after qualifying ended prematurely to his disadvantage. He arrived in Monza still with hopes of clinching the title but it depended on a double zero from Gabriel Bortoleto. However, hope faded on Friday when, failing to secure pole position, the Brazilian was crowned the Formula 3 champion. From third place in the championship, he slipped to fifth, but overall, he is proud of his development as a driver.
Pepe started the season by winning the first sprint race in Bahrain, his first achievement in the category. Then he arrived in Monaco and once again took the top step of the podium in another sprint race on a complicated street circuit like Monte Carlo. With the clear objective of winning a Sunday race, in June came the home Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona, and he shone in front of his fans with a spectacular victory in the feature race. At Silverstone he was on the podium again, this time on the third step of the podium.
“End of a dream season, we fought for second place, but it wasn’t meant to be. The cancellation of qualifying with ten minutes to go impacted the entire weekend, and two incidents not of our making left us in fifth place in the championship. Thanks to Campos Racing for the great year, we deserved to be able to fight,” Martí commented on his official Twitter account.
His future in Red Bull
Amidst the challenges, one remarkably thrilling piece of news emerged. Right at the onset of the final F3 weekend in Monza, he was unveiled as the latest addition to the Red Bull Young Driver Academy becoming the fifth Spanish driver to achieve it. In the previous four cases, we’ve seen examples of all kinds. From those who have succeeded in Formula 1, like Carlos Sainz, who won last race in Singapore. To those who arrived but didn’t stay long, like Jaime Alguersuari, and including Antonio García and Dani Juncadella, who have had successful careers outside Formula 1.
This is a big boost to his career that can both continue in F3 for another year or maybe the 18 years old driver can aspire to enter Formula 2 as early as next year.
Currently, in Formula 2, we only find Jak Crawford, Enzo Fittipaldi, Isack Hadjar, Ayumu Iwasa, and Zane Maloney, Dennis Hauger. But the only one making some significant progress is the Japanese driver. In an uncertain period for Red Bull and AlphaTauri regarding driver renewals, next year becomes crucial for him to showcase his full potential.
Marti as Alonso’s protege
Now the Spaniard receives support from Red Bull while also benefiting from the guidance of Fernando Alonso’s A14 management. He became a part of Alonso’s management team earlier this year and has enjoyed a successful second season in FIA F3 with Campos Racing.
His parents are very proud of the work and the attitude they are using with their son: “He’s in the best hands, with Genís Marcó and with Alonso, who oversee his sports career,” Montse explains througwith the peace of mind of having her son under the ideal supervision in a world of sharks like motorsport.
