Sydney teenager Patrick Heuzenroeder will make his FIA Formula 3 debut this weekend at the season-opening round of the 2026 Formula 1 campaign at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

The 2025 GB3 Vice Champion has been drafted in by Campos Racing, the reigning FIA Formula 3 Teams’ Champions, to replace injured Ernesto Rivera for the Albert Park weekend. It marks a major career milestone for the 18-year-old, who will race on home soil in front of his home crowd.

Heuzenroeder’s call-up follows an impressive showing at the recent FIA Formula 3 test sessions in Barcelona. With only a few days’ notice and his first experience in F3 machinery, he adapted quickly and finished sixth overall on the final day, consistently running inside the leading group.

The young Australian is already signed with Campos for the 2026 Eurocup-3 season and is currently contesting the Spanish Winter Championship ahead of that campaign, which begins in May. His performances in GB3 over the past two seasons — including race wins and multiple podiums in 2025 — have cemented his reputation as one of Australia’s most promising junior prospects.

His debut comes during a significant weekend for Australian motorsport, with celebrations marking 60 years since Jack Brabham won the 1966 Formula 1 World Championship in a car bearing his own name — a feat that's never been repeated. Heuzenroeder is mentored by former Formula 1 driver and Le Mans winner David Brabham, Sir Jack’s son, who will also be present in Melbourne as part of the anniversary commemorations.

“I’m really pleased to make my Formula 3 debut at my home Grand Prix in Melbourne,” Heuzenroeder said. “To do this as one of the few Aussies in the paddock is pretty special. I’m ready to take on the challenge, learn as much as possible and make the most of it.”

The Formula 3 season opener runs from March 6–8 as part of the Australian Grand Prix weekend, giving Heuzenroeder the opportunity to showcase his talent on motorsport’s biggest stage.