The 2026 Eurocup-3 season marks a technical rebirth for open-wheel racing
In short: The 2026 Eurocup-3 season isn't just a new year on the calendar; it represents a complete mechanical overhaul. By swapping both chassis and engine suppliers, the series is redefining its identity as a premier European single-seater championship, moving away from its previous technical lineage.
Launched in 2023 to provide a different option from the Euroformula Open and the FIA-sanctioned Formula Regional European Championship, the Eurocup-3 series enters its fourth year during the 2026 season. This year is particularly significant as it introduces a second generation of technical regulations. The series has officially moved from the Tatuus F3 T-318 chassis to the Dallara 326, an evolution of the 324 model used in Super Formula Lights. Complementing this hardware shift, the series discontinued its partnership with Alfa Romeo in favor of a Toyota three-cylinder 1.6-litre turbo engine.
The 2026 calendar expanded the series' geographical footprint, marking the first time the championship visited the United Kingdom and Hungary. Key stops included the Silverstone Circuit and the Hungaroring, alongside a debut at the Imola Circuit. The schedule was simplified by cutting the Red Bull Ring, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, and TT Circuit Assen, despite the inclusion of fresh locations. The season also experimented with a three-race weekend format, which includes a shorter sprint race that awards reduced points compared to the primary races.
The championship saw a dominant performance from Palou Motorsport driver James Egozi, who secured the title at Jerez with two weekends to spare after winning eight races. However, the narrative was nuanced by the Spanish Winter Championship, a separate multi-event series held across the Iberian Peninsula. In that winter campaign, Hitech's Keanu Al Azhari claimed the Drivers' Championship, while René Lammers secured the Rookie Championship. These two distinct championships highlight the diverse competitive landscape of the 2026 season, where different technical and regional goals intersected.
The scoring system provides a clear hierarchy for performance: primary races award points based on finishing position, while the sprint races offer a condensed point structure. Additionally, drivers can earn bonus points for securing pole positions (2 points) and setting the fastest lap (1 point). Teams are evaluated based on their two best results per race, ensuring that a single mechanical failure or incident doesn't completely derail a team's standing in the championship.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2026 Eurocup-3 season
- Also: Wikidata — 2026 Eurocup-3 season · CC0
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