Hauger: F3 title win "unreal" after disappointing 2020
Dennis Hauger says winning the 2021 FIA Formula 3 championship is “unreal” having bounced back from a disappointing 2020 in which he doubted his driving ability.
The Prema ace took the title in the first race of the weekend in Sochi, with his victory in the sprint race putting him 51 points clear of second place Jack Doohan.
But 2020 painted a different picture, with Hauger suffering a challenging season driving for Hitech in which he scored just one podium and 14 points.
He says the realisation that he never has to doubt himself came from working with Prema, providing a much-needed confidence boost to propel him to this year’s title.
The Red Bull Junior looks almost certain to move up to FIA Formula 2 next season, but he says no contracts have been signed, and there are still two rounds of that championship left to go.
Asked if he could have imagined winning the championship this year after his difficult 2020, Hauger said: “I mean, as a driver you have to believe that.
"I think one of the things I started questioning myself was ‘what’s happening? Am I good enough?’ last year, and I think after that testing with Prema, working with Prema, I really learned mentally that I never have to doubt myself.
“Going into this season at the end of 2020, that was definitely the goal, I knew this was going to be an important year, so I was putting all the effort into the season, so happy to end it on top.”
Podium: Race winner Logan Sargeant, Charouz Racing, second place Dennis Hauger, Prema Racing, third place Victor Martins, MP Motorsport
Photo by: James Gasperotti / Motorsport Images
Hauger also struggled amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, remaining in the UK “with all those downs, weekend after weekend it made it tough mentally. I still think though that in some way it made me stronger, especially the mental game.”
But he says 2021 has been “amazing” with Prema, adding: “At Spa, we had a bit of a downfall, but I think as a team we worked ourselves up to get some points there as well and just kept on going. It’s been a good year, I’m really happy to finish on top for sure.
“[The title] means everything, obviously. Getting the work done with the team all year to prep and get everything set for the races and travelling and everything, it’s a lifestyle obviously with what you love, so it’s enjoyable but hard work as well.
“Especially after last season, it wasn’t the best year, and it was hard also mentally, so getting back and getting the championship is unreal.”
Related video
Previous article
Sochi F3: Hauger crowned champion as Sargeant wins race
Next article
F2 Sochi sprint to go ahead, F3 Saturday race cancelled
From zero to hero: How F3's 2021 champion bounced back
After a disastrous 2020 in FIA Formula 3 with Hitech, Dennis Hauger began to doubt himself - with the self-belief he had built through success in junior series evaporating. But after regrouping, he stormed to the F3 title in 2021. Here’s how he did it
How Campos Racing has bounced back from its devastating loss
After the sudden death of its founder in January, Formula 2 stalwart Campos Racing was left facing its hardest season to date. But new team boss Adrian Jr is determined to honour his father’s legacy and has returned the team to its winning ways
How F2 and F3's flawed format changes could prove shortlived
After a chaotic 2020, marred by the coronavirus pandemic, the FIA brought in radical changes to Formula 2 and 3. But less than 12 months later, there are talks of them being reversed after all did not go to plan…
How the latest 'son of' youngster found his feet in F3
After a promising start to his single-seater racing career, life in the Formula 1 feeder series gave Jack Doohan a reality check. But, following a year of learning and toiling, the driver with one of the most famous surnames on the Formula 3 grid isn’t feeling the weight of expectation pushing down too hard on him any longer
The Monaco win that started another triple crown
30 years ago, victory in the Monaco Grand Prix-supporting Formula 3 race – then a showpiece invitational event – began a young Jorg Muller’s pursuit of a unique set of street circuit wins that he’d later complete at Macau and Pau
How two F3 stars face new challenges from very different perspectives
ART Grand Prix team-mates Frederik Vesti and Juan Manuel Correa's paths to the 2021 FIA Formula 3 Championship grid couldn’t have been further apart, but both are using the same focus for different goals
Why Correa's return is the feelgood story racing needed
Juan Manuel Correa has had a long road to recovery from that horrific day at Spa in 2019. ART's decision to give him his race return in FIA Formula 3 in 2021 is a victory in itself, but his determination will surely - in time - have him fighting for bigger things
Why Piastri's F3 title was better than results suggested
F3 rookie Oscar Piastri only just snatched the 2020 title with Prema Racing, but the setbacks he overcame to do so suggest that Renault's next Australian talent is one destined for the top
