It is time to take stock after the opening round of the 2026 E4 Championship at Vallelunga. Already leading the Italian Formula 4 Championship, US Racing’s Luka Sammalisto has also established himself at the top of the standings in the Formula 4 series promoted by ACI Sport and WSK Promotion, leaving the opening weekend as championship leader.

At the Autodromo Piero Taruffi di Vallelunga, venue of the second round of the Italian F4 Championship, US Racing’s Luka Sammalisto completed a perfect weekend. Three wins from the three races he contested for the Finnish driver, who only missed Race 2 because of the group rotation format, with that race instead won by teammate Edu Robinson.

The last race of the weekend was nothing short of spectacular, wrapping up the second round of the Italian F.4 Championship in style after a weekend packed with drama from the very start. After qualifying was disrupted by intermittent rain and the three qualifying races were won by Kean Nakamura-Berta (Race 1 and 2) and Sebastian Wheldon (Race 3), the final race delivered a twist: a clash between the top two contenders paved the way for Gabriel Gomez to take the win.

Sebastian Wheldon, the American driver racing for Prema Racing, claimed victory in Race 3, which featured drivers from Groups A and C. This marked the final contest of the group stage before the Vallelunga Final race, where the top 36 drivers of the weekend will compete.

Race 2 at Vallelunga proved to be one of the most thrilling contests of the early season. Despite the championship still being in its early stage, it’s already delivering top-tier excitement. Kean Nakamura-Berta continued his perfect streak, clinching his fifth win after having took part in as many races. This latest triumph was particularly spectacular, as he secured P1 with a superb start that allowed him to exit Turn 1 in the lead. From there, he defended fiercely against Sebastian Wheldon’s relentless attacks.