In 2009, Buttarelli graduated to Formula Three, racing in the newly named European F3 Open Championship for the emiliodevillota.com team.

[2] In June 2009, Buttarelli joined Carlin Motorsport to contest the Masters of Formula 3 event held at Zandvoort.

[5] After securing three podium places and a fastest lap in the first ten races, Buttarelli split with the team after the fifth round at Varano.

[6] He did, however, secure a seat alongside Daniel Mancinelli at Team Ghinzani in time for the next round of the series at Vallelunga,[7] where he took a podium in the second race.

The pair dominated the event, winning both races whilst also taking a pole position and fastest lap.