FIA European Formula 3 Championship – Aberdein makes up 16 places in F3 finale

South Africa’s Jonathan Aberdein closed off his rookie FiA European Formula 3 season with a podium in Sunday’s final as he added a silver lining to a cloudy weekend at Hockenheim in Germany. On a day when Michael Schumacher’s son Mick sealed an emotional title win, Aberdein was set on the back foot by brake issues in qualifying and started race 1 in 23rd. From there he made up a total of 16 places in the three races.

“We found good pace for my last race in the 2018 European FIA Formula 3 Championship,” Jonathan wrapped it up. “I finished seventh in today’s final, scored some good points and stood on another rookie podium. “Our qualifying problem made for a tough weekend, but I enjoyed climbing from 23rd to 16th, from thirteenth on the grid to ninth in race 2 and 12th to seventh in the final!

“We struggled with the balance of the car for most of the weekend and I completely ran out of rear tyres in the final, which was a pity as I was running comfortably in sixth and challenging Daniel Tictum, who finished fourth when my tyres fell off the cliff. “Fortunately I had good enough pace to hang on for another rookie podium.

“It was quite an emotional day with Mick Schumacher winning the title — huge congratulations to him, that was a mega result and it has been an honour to race against him. “My dad also raced against his dad in karts many years ago and I hope to race against him for many seasons to come.”

Jonathan ended up sixth in the rookie title race and 12th overall. “It’s been an up and down season with some real highs at Silverstone and Red Bull Ring,” Jonathan concluded. “Hard work too, so I’m really looking forward to a bit of down time back home, away from all the pressure as we look ahead — bring on the next challenge!”