AIX Racing has confirmed Brad Benavides’ departure from the team as the American continues his recovery from the injury he sustained during the 2026 F3 weekend in Monaco.
The announcement brings an end to a two-season partnership between Benavides and AIX, during which he became an established part of the team’s F3 programme. His recovery has taken longer than initially anticipated, and AIX stressed that his health remains the priority.
The confirmation also provides further context to Ricardo Escotto’s return for the final two rounds of the 2026 season. The Mexican will compete for AIX at Monza and Madrid after previously replacing Benavides at Barcelona, Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps.
AIX thanks Benavides after two seasons
Benavides joined AIX during the 2025 F3 campaign and quickly showed strong one-lap pace, including pole positions at Spa-Francorchamps and Monza. He remained with the team for 2026 as AIX looked to build on the progress made during their first season together.
However, the Monaco weekend interrupted that campaign. Benavides sustained an injury during the event and has remained away from competition while undergoing his recovery.
AIX had hoped to welcome him back later in the season, but his rehabilitation has progressed more slowly than initially expected. As a result, the team and driver will now go their separate ways while Benavides focuses fully on returning to health.
Team Manager Kenny Kirwan thanked him for the commitment he showed throughout their two seasons together.
“On behalf of everyone at AIX Racing, I would like to sincerely thank Brad for his valuable contribution to the team over the past two seasons. He has been a committed and professional member of our family, and we greatly appreciate the effort, dedication and positive attitude he has brought to the team throughout our time together. We wish Brad every success in his future racing career and, equally importantly, in all of his personal endeavours. He leaves AIX Racing with our sincere thanks and very best wishes for the future.”
Benavides established himself with AIX
Benavides’ association with AIX produced several notable performances, particularly during the second half of the 2025 campaign.
His two pole positions demonstrated the American’s Qualifying speed, while AIX highlighted his work ethic and team-focused approach when retaining him for another season. At the time, Kirwan described Benavides as a strong team player and praised the qualities he brought to the operation.
The partnership therefore ends earlier than either side intended. AIX nevertheless made clear that Benavides’ recovery takes precedence over any attempt to return him to competition before he is ready.
His next racing move remains open as he concentrates on completing that rehabilitation.
Escotto completes AIX’s 2026 campaign
Escotto will remain in Benavides’ former seat for the final two rounds of the season at Monza and Madrid.
The 21-year-old first joined AIX at Barcelona before returning for Silverstone and Spa. Although he has yet to score an F3 point, the team has praised his development and the work he has completed with its engineers away from race weekends.
AIX confirmed earlier this week that Escotto will return at Monza from 4–6 September before completing the season at the inaugural Madrid finale one week later.
That decision closes AIX’s driver plans for the remainder of 2026 while Benavides steps away from the team after two seasons together.
