There is an immense amount of pressure on young Dennis Hauger’s shoulders. The Norwegian is in his second year in FIA Formula 3 and is one of the big favourites. But although he didn’t have the perfect start to the season, he leads the championship.

Hauger got off to a good start in Barcelona by grabbing pole position and bagging four points. Pole position however means you are starting 12th in Race 1, a result of the new format in FIA Formula 3. “Obviously with the new format it’s hard to stay in the top all weekend and I think that there are going to be quite a few different winners through the season”, Hauger said.

“Race 1 from reverse grid 12th was just about damage limitation and trying to get some points. In Race 2 we had a really good pace and I got up to second but then I would say it could have been done differently. I was a bit too eager to have that win and I gave it a shot, I saw the gap and went for it. It didn’t pay off that time unfortunately.”

Hauger ended up 25th after the collision. “I think it was just a lesson learned and it was better to get that done in the beginning of the season than at the end so I can learn from that now and know what to do.”

Race 3 however would be the highlight of the weekend for the Red Bull Junior. But the start wasn’t great, admits Hauger. “In Race 3 I didn’t have the best start from pole. I think we were like 4 wide into Turn 1. I really knew from yesterday that I had to go deeper on the brakes to really set myself up for where I wanted to be at the beginning. I really wanted that win so I went deep on the brakes and got the lead out of Turn 1.”

“After that it was just getting out of DRS range and managing things from there. I was very happy with the car and it all went well.”

“It’s a great start to the season. I am very happy with the team, I have a good feeling so we can work together and get what we want, get the maximum out of myself and the car. So for sure we have a good momentum and we just have to keep it going.”