Jacob Micallef will make his GB3 debut with Hitech at the Hungaroring this weekend after securing an unexpected opportunity only months into his single-seater career.
The 16-year-old Maltese driver only moved into Formula 4 at the start of 2026, having raced extensively in karting before his switch to cars. However, he has quickly adapted to the more powerful GB3 machinery and has already shown encouraging pace in testing.
Micallef, who becomes the first driver from Malta to compete in GB3, went sixth quickest on the first day of the official Snetterton test in June. He has also carried that form into the Hungaroring weekend, running inside the top eight in four of the five on-track sessions held so far.
Micallef quickly settles into GB3 machinery ahead of Hungaroring debut with Hitech
Micallef has embraced the step up from F4 to GB3, despite the significant difference in performance between the two cars. The Hitech driver has already built confidence with the car, the team and the Hungaroring layout ahead of Qualifying and the races.
That early comfort has helped him approach the weekend with excitement rather than hesitation. Although he still faces a steep learning curve, Micallef has enjoyed the extra speed and grip that the GB3 car offers.
“I’m super excited,” he enthused, while speaking to GB3. “I’ve fallen in love with the car and am working great with the team and I really like the track. So I’m really looking forward to the races and qualifying.”
Unexpected Hitech chance changes 2026 plan
Micallef originally planned to focus solely on his first full season in Formula 4 this year. However, the chance to join Hitech in GB3 arrived earlier than expected, and he chose to take the opportunity rather than wait for a later move.
His rapid progression followed years of karting experience before his transition into single-seaters. Even so, the timing of his GB3 debut surprised him, especially given how little time he had spent in F4 machinery before the Hitech seat became available.
“I wasn’t expecting [to make the move to GB3 so quickly]. I was only planning on doing F4 this year but we found this opportunity and it was not something I was expecting.
“I’ve done quite a lot of karting, and then we transitioned to Formula 4 at the beginning of this year. But then we found an opportunity with some connections and we managed to get a seat in GB3, and I was like “oh my god, this is like a dream come true!” I’m very, very grateful for it.”
Micallef keeps debut expectations realistic ahead of Hungaroring outing with Hitech
Micallef has already delivered promising signs before his first GB3 race weekend. His Snetterton testing pace showed immediate potential, while his Hungaroring form has reinforced that early impression.
Nevertheless, he plans to keep his expectations realistic. Rather than focusing only on headline results, Micallef wants to use the weekend to learn how to work with the car, understand the team environment and adapt to the demands of GB3 competition.
“To be honest, the progress is really good,” he commented. “I’m getting to grips with the car and the team and the track. I wasn’t expecting to be this close, so I’m very happy.
“Mainly the goal for this week is to just learn and adapt with the car, the team, and to understand as much as possible. I’m hoping to be around the mid pack in terms of results, I think that’s quite realistic for me.”
Hungaroring weekend offers valuable first test for Micallef
Micallef enters Qualifying with useful momentum after a strong start to his GB3 running. However, the races will give him a clearer measure of his progress against a competitive field.
For now, his debut already marks a major step in his young career. By adapting quickly to the car and keeping his targets grounded, Micallef has given himself a strong platform for his first GB3 weekend with Hitech.
