F3 / British F4: McLaughlin makes the step up to Formula 3 for 2026 with Hitech

Newly crowned British F4 champion Fionn McLaughlin will make the step up to Formula Three for 2026 with his current British F4 team Hitech TGR.

The Red Bull Junior driver successfully captured the British F4 championship last weekend at Brands Hatch after an incredible rookie year from the Irishman. Claiming five wins and fourteen podiums (plus another podium at the non-championship round running on the British Grand Prix weekend), McLaughlin has proven himself to be a very strong up and comer.

The 17-year-old will make the step into Formula 3 with Hitech TGR meaning he will be racing in a similar team environment that he had become used to over the course of 2025.

With the announcement, Fionn McLaughlin said: “I’m incredibly proud of everything I’ve achieved this year, it’s already been a whirlwind journey from karting to single-seaters, and now stepping up to FIA Formula 3 with Hitech is a dream come true. I want to thank everyone who has supported me along the way, especially Hitech and the Red Bull Junior Team for their trust and belief in my potential.

“The next step is a huge opportunity for me. The competition will be tough, but I feel ready for the challenge. I’ve learned so much this season, from adapting quickly to circuits and managing the pressures of race weekends, and I’m excited to keep pushing forward and proving myself.”