Charles Leclerc is the new GP3 Series champion!

Charles Leclerc is the new GP3 Series champion! The ART Grand Prix’s driver retired from the Race 1 at Yas Marina Circuit but kept unassailable lead before the last race of the year on Sunday after his only rival Alexander Albon also retired.

Albon started from pole position for the third time this year, Jake Dennis, Jack Aitken, and Nyck de Vries were behind Thai driver, while the championship leader Charles Leclerc started from the 5th place.

Alexander Albon missed a great opportunity to keep his title hopes alive

After the first lap, de Vries moved up to the 3rd position, while Leclerc dropped to the 6th after being overtaken by Santino Ferrucci. The Monegasque didn’t look well at all and was under pressure from Kevin Jorg but after few laps, he found a pace and returned to the battle for the 5th position. On lap 8, the safety car was deployed after Tatiana Calderon slid off the track and the gaps were shortened before the second half of the race.

Aitken managed to profit from that and soon after the safety car went in, he took the lead from Albon but not for long. The ART Grand Prix’s driver retained the lead on lap 11 but soon after he had a contact with Aitken, damaged his car and was forced to retire. His dreams about championship title were ended.

With six laps to go, de Vries was in charge, followed by Dennis, Ferrucci, Leclerc, and Aitken. Leclerc only needed to be calm but he decided to try to move up. When he was trying to overtake Ferrucci, Charles made a mistake and slid off the track. Leclerc slid off the track and retired from the race but still could be happy as he secured another title.

GP3 Series race at Yas Marina Circuit

At the end, Nyck de Vries scored his second win of the season, Dennis finished second, only 0.3s behind the winner, while Aitken snatched the last place at the podium.