Ugochukwu left with mixed feelings after qualifying P8 in Spielberg

27 June 2025

Ugo Ugochukwu was taking the positives from his P8 qualifying performance in Spielberg, but was frustrated not to be higher after a late spin ended his hopes of achieving a better result.

The PREMA Racing driver had shown good pace throughout the day, having finished Free Practice in sixth place. He continued that form in Qualifying, consistently setting times that put him in the top five.

On his final lap of the day though, Ugochukwu had just set the fastest middle sector of the session but spun at the last corner. While he continued on, he did not improve and was forced to settle for eighth place.

Reflecting on Qualifying, the American said: “A little bit frustrating because the pace was really good today. We made a really good step from the last weekends, so that was definitely a positive.

“That last lap was going really well until I made a mistake at the last corner. The track is getting better and better every lap and you are more on the limit every lap. I tried to send it and ultimately it was a little bit too much and it didn't really go my way.

Ugochukwu spun on his final lap in Qualifying after setting the fastest middle sector

“We have the good part, which is we are definitely a lot quicker, so we see now in the races. Ideally, we will have good tyre management and try and get some good points this weekend.”

As a member of the McLaren Development Driver Programme, Ugochukwu had sported a papaya-liveried car for the first half of the season, but in Spielberg, ran with an all-black car.

QUALIFYING: Tsolov dominates to take pole in Spielberg

The 18-year-old revealed that removing the paint is all part of an effort to reduce the weight of the car, in a bid to improve the performance.

Ugochukwu added: “We have managed to not to be over the weight limit which is definitely a positive. It's not an advantage, as it just puts us in a level playing field with the others, so it's a good step.”

The PREMA rookie is hoping that step forward will play into their hands not just in the two Red Bull Ring races this weekend, but at the following four rounds that follow.

The American is targeting a strong couple of races in Spielberg and rounds to come

“I’m taking the positives,” he continued. “We focus on the races, and then try to get the best possible results at the next few races. But I think this puts us in a nice position for the next rounds, especially for qualifying.

“It is really important in this Championship to qualify in front, it's a lot easier to manage the races.

“For tomorrow, starting from P5, we are in a good place. There might be a little bit of a DRS train. Ultimately on the Soft tyre around here, there is going to be quite a bit of graining. So whoever gets on top of that will probably be really strong towards the end.

“We will try to focus on that and having that consistent pace throughout the race.”