Liam Lawson wins in Mugello as Oscar Piastri takes FIA Formula 3 title

Liam Lawson has won the final race of the FIA Formula 3 season, ahead of David Beckmann and Théo Pourchaire, with Oscar Piastri taking out the driver’s title.

Liam Lawson celebrates on the podium in Mugello after winning the FIA Formula 3 finale. (Image: Supplied/Formula Motorsport Limited)

Lawson kept his lead off the start from the reverse grid, with the top 4 holding station through the opening corners of Lap 1.

The race—and championship fight—were thrown into chaos before a single lap could be completed, with Lirim Zendeli and Logan Sargeant coming together—with both drivers retiring from the race.

Sargeant had gone into the race level on points with Oscar Piastri, with the championship pendulum swinging firmly in the Australian’s favour.

The remaining contender was Pourchaire, with the French rookie having to make up a nine-point deficit.

"It is just so bad to end the season this way,” said Sargeant, “being sandwiched between two people heading into turn 2, which is the tightest part of the track. It's a pity. We were in a great position to fight for the championship but couldn't get past the opening lap."

Liam Lawson leads into Turn 1 at Mugello in the final race of the FIA Formula 3 season. (Image: Supplied/Formula Motorsport Limited)

Lawson held his lead on the eventual restart, with Piastri falling back through the field as the timing screens lit up from the action.

The Australian was now behind his teammate Frederik Vesti, and the pair battled away with the position going to Piastri before his Dutch competitor won it back a few laps later—setting the fastest lap of the race once clear.

Kiwi Liam Lawson had established a clear two-second lead at the front, with a gaggle of drivers now challenging Beckmann for second place.

Enzo Fittipaldi overtook Alexander Smolyar into Turn 1 for fourth, and Pourchaire took the advantage, going around the outside of his Russian teammate to move up into P5.

Pourchaire was past Fittipaldi in the same spot on Lap 11, doing his best to fight his way up the field and into the lead of the championship.

Behind him, Vesti was told that he was not able to gain a position, he should let Piastri pass to continue his own championship hunt through the field.

Jake Hughes was past Smolyar on Lap 14, and Vesti responded instantly, closing in on the Russian and eventually passing him after an exceptionally tight wheel-to-wheel battle.

Two laps later, Pourchaire took the lead of the championship and he passed Sebastian Fernandez, but it lasted only momentarily, with Piastri almost simultaneously passing Smolyar.

Piastri was able to catch his slowing teammate by Lap 18, and the championship was all but decided by the final lap.

Lawson crossed the line 7.8 seconds ahead of Beckmann in a dominant display, with Pourchaire taking third and the Vice-Championship.

Oscar Piastri celebrates after winning the 2020 FIA Formula 3 Championship. (Image: Supplied/Formula Motorsport Limited)

“We were able to win, which was a really nice way to end the year,” said Lawson.

“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed with the overall results, as it is frustrating not to achieve our goal this year, but it is still nice to finish the year in this way.”

“It has been very, very up and down, but I am very, very happy to win the last race of the year, so a massive thank you to Hitech and Red Bull for making this year possible.”

Piastri, not yet content with his late charge through the field, passed Fernandez just before the finish line, claiming seventh place by just 0.043 seconds—and winning the FIA Formula 3 Driver’s Championship.

“We did It! Feels so great to take the title at the end of such a crazy and challenging race,” said Piastri.

“I had a really good start and made up quite a few spots. Then I struggled a little bit after the safety-car but picked up a few positions again at the end to seal the deal. Massive thanks to the team for believing in me and giving me a great car all-year.“

Liam Lawson ended his second FIA Formula 3 season with a fifth-place finish in the championship.

Aussie Alex Peroni finished the race in P13, cementing his tenth-place position in the standings, while Jack Doohan finished P11 and Calan Williams finished P21, taking 26th and 31st in the championship respectively.