Fortec Motorsports driver Thomas Ingram Hill believes a GB4 podium finish in 2026 is within reach after securing another fourth-place result during the opening race at Oulton Park.
The young Brit has developed a habit of finishing just outside the top three. His latest fourth-place finish marked the third time this season he has ended a race in that position. In addition, he recorded three further fourth-place finishes during the closing stages of the 2025 campaign.
Despite narrowly missing out on silverware so far this year, Ingram Hill’s consistent performances suggest another podium is edging closer.
Silverstone frustration still fresh for Ingram Hill despite strong Oulton Park performance
The 16-year-old came agonisingly close to a podium at the season-opening round at Silverstone before unusual circumstances denied him a top-three finish. During Race 2, Ingram Hill overtook Jason Smyth after the Irishman made a late mistake. However, officials later stopped the race with a red flag and did not restart the contest. As a result, the classification reverted to the previous lap, dropping Ingram Hill from third back to fourth.
Reflecting on the disappointment with GB4, he said: “I had [a podium] at Silverstone but got unlucky with the red flag, which took it away.”
Although frustration followed the result, Ingram Hill has carried that momentum into Oulton Park with another competitive weekend.
Pace encourages podium ambitions
Throughout the event, Ingram Hill remained among the frontrunners in every session he completed. He consistently featured inside the top five and even topped the timesheets during one session. Nevertheless, he believes small mistakes in qualifying prevented him from fighting higher up the grid.
“A couple of mistakes in qualifying have cost us,” he said. “We had the pace at Silverstone to do it, we did it [but] got unlucky. Here, again, just lacking a bit in qualifying but we’re making the steps forward.”
Even so, the Fortec driver remains encouraged by the clear progress he has shown across the opening rounds of the campaign. However, rather than focusing solely on immediate results, Ingram Hill continues to prioritise consistency and long-term improvement. He believes maintaining strong performances will eventually bring the podium finish he seeks.
“We’ve just got to be consistent,” he said. “Eventually, we will get one, so you never know, something could happen in front and we get something.”
That patient approach has already helped him establish himself as one of the most reliable drivers in the midfield battle this season.
Oulton Park redemption drives improvement
The improvement at Oulton Park marks a major turnaround compared to last season. During the 2025 event, Ingram Hill endured a difficult weekend and finished the opening two races in 21st and 14th positions respectively.
Now returning with Fortec for the 2026 season, he credits several factors for the stronger pace, including support from former GB3 race winner Joseph Loake.
“I’ve got Joseph here, he holds the lap record, so it is good to hear his input,” he explained. “I like this track. It’s a good, little rollercoaster, it suits the car, and it’s just the redemption from last year.”
Alongside external support, Ingram Hill also believes greater preparation and experience have significantly boosted his confidence behind the wheel.
“Last year, I had my GCSEs at this time, so it was very hard,” he continued. “I’ve been on the sim nearly every day as I’m at college, so I’m a bit more free. I have bit a more experience and more confidence in the car, so it’s making a difference.”
With his confidence growing and pace improving, Ingram Hill now appears increasingly close to converting his strong form into another GB4 podium finish.
