FORMULA 3: Hughes takes first win after dramatic last lap clash in Austria

A dramatic final lap collision between PREMA teammates Robert Shwartzman and Marcus Armstrong handed HWA RACELAB driver Jake Hughes a first ever FIA Formula 3 race win in Austria. The British driver finished Race 2 in second, but was propelled to first when the Russian was handed a five-second time penalty for causing the crash.

Championship leader Shwartzman had risen from fourth on the grid to take the lead with a stunning manoeuvre. Armstrong, Hughes and poleman Lirim Zendeli were three-wide in front of the Russian and he quietly joined the battle before emerging in second, behind Hughes. An attack on the British driver swiftly followed and the Ferrari junior lunged ahead of him at the top of the hill.

Armstrong rose ahead of Hughes on the following lap and rapidly closed in on his team mate, showing no reservations about doing battle with a fellow PREMA. HWA RACELAB team radio told Hughes to wait for a potential error – and it duly came on the final lap.

Armstrong harvested enough speed from his machinery to rattle down the side of Shwartzman, but the Russian was unrelenting and swerved to Armstrong’s rear right, eying the inside line. The Ferrari junior got too close to the back of his team mate and caught his rear tyre, sending Armstrong into the gravel.

Shwartzman’s bruised PREMA struggled to the finish in first, but he was deemed to be responsible for the collision and demoted to third, behind Jehan Daruvala and Hughes.

For full results and more news, visit the official F3 website.