British F4 Champion McLaughlin Joins Formula 3 With Red Bull Academy in 2026

Fionn McLaughlin, the 17-year-old British F4 champion from Northern Ireland, is set to advance to the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2026 with the Hitech Racing team. After a dominant rookie season in car racing, which included five race wins, multiple podiums, and clinching the title with races to spare, McLaughlin has joined the Red Bull Junior Team and will compete on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends starting in Australia. Describing the step up as a dream come true, McLaughlin expressed pride in his rapid progress from karting to single-seaters and readiness for the tougher competition ahead. His promotion reflects his speed, maturity, and racecraft, impressing both his team and Red Bull Junior program leaders. McLaughlin aims to continue his development and maximize opportunities on his path toward Formula 1. His debut in Formula 3 will mark the next phase of his burgeoning motorsport career, supported by his family and key mentors.