A fantastic second race on Sunday saw Jake fly through the field from 28th position to finish in 12th and collect the ‘Sky Sports Driver of the Day’ award. 

Commencing the 2020 FIA Formula Three Championship at the Red Bull Ring, Austria, Jake Hughes got up to speed with his HWA RACELAB team by setting the seventh fastest lap time in Friday’s free practice. Jake’s first qualifying session of the season then saw the British driver secure a fifth place starting position for the first race of the campaign. 

Unfortunately, Jake’s hopes of a strong result were over before the race had even started as an issue forced Jake into the pits on the formation lap. Jake eventually rejoined the race and recorded strong lap times until he eventually took the finishing flag from P28. 

Starting the final race of the weekend from P28, Jake showcased his class and quality to put on an overtaking masterclass. Passing fifteen drivers before the halfway mark, Jake was on a charge to the points until a safety car paused the action in Austria. 

With just two laps remaining after the safety car, Jake was able to make one more manoeuvre to cross the finish line in 12th place to round out a thoroughly impressive performance. 

Jake’s overtaking exhibition saw him rewarded with Sky Sports F1’s ‘Driver of the Day’ award, nominated by Alex Brundle. 

Jake returns to the Red Bull Ring, Austria, next weekend (10-12 July) for round two of the FIA Formula Three Championship.

“Looking at the pace that we showed, it was a really positive weekend for myself and the team, but unfortunately we don’t have the points to show for it. I was very pleased with my qualifying and very confident we would have been in the fight for the podium places had we not had an issue before race one. 

The pace was mega once again in race two and I had a lot of fun making my way through the field. Without the safety car, I feel we could have been in the points but at least we get to come back here next weekend and make amends!”