Fionn McLaughlin to debut in FIA Formula 3 with Hitech Racing in 2026

Fionn McLaughlin advances to FIA Formula 3

Hitech Racing will field the 17-year-old Northern Irish driver on 10 Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends next season.

Dominant British F4 campaign

As a Red Bull Junior, McLaughlin clinched the 2024 Motorsport UK British F4 title with two races remaining, securing five wins and the rookie crown.

He impressed Red Bull during an August shootout in Spain, which propelled him from karting to car racing.

Looking ahead to 2026

The Formula 3 season kicks off in Melbourne from 6-8 March, marking McLaughlin's first foray into world-stage racing after one single-seater season.

"The competition will be fierce, but I'm ready for the challenge," McLaughlin said. "I’ve adapted quickly to new circuits and the demands of Grand Prix weekends, and I’m determined to progress toward Formula 1."

McLaughlin will join Hitech teammates Jin Nakamura of Japan and South Korea’s Michael Shin.

Second Irish hope on F1 weekends

He follows Alex Dunne, the 2022 British F4 champion who tested for McLaren in F1 free practice and may join Red Bull in Formula 2 for 2026.

McLaughlin's rapid rise from karting to the FIA Formula 3 grid in just one season underscores his potential on the path to Formula 1.

This topic was reported by BBC Sport.

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