Japanese racing driver Kanato Le will make his F3 debut in 2026 with ART Grand Prix, marking a major step forward in a career defined by rapid progress and consistent performance. The 18-year-old’s promotion comes after two strong seasons in the Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA) and an impressive part-time campaign in the GB3 Championship.
A steady ascent from karting to cars
Le began his racing journey in karting, where he quickly established himself as one of Japan’s most promising young talents. His standout moment came in 2021, when he clinched the IAME Euro Series Junior Championship and finished runner-up in the IAME Winter Series. These results laid a strong foundation for his move into car racing the following year.
In 2022, Le made his car racing debut in the Ginetta Junior Championship with Elite Motorsport. He adapted quickly, securing two victories, five podiums, and a seventh-place finish in the standings. His performances earned him recognition as the second-highest rookie, underscoring his ability to compete against more experienced drivers.
Le transitioned to single-seaters in 2023, competing in both the Formula 4 UAE Championship and the British F4 Championship with Hitech Pulse-Eight. Although his UAE campaign was inconsistent, he showed flashes of brilliance with podium finishes and steady points scoring. In British F4, Le’s potential truly shone. He achieved two race wins, two further podiums, and ended the year seventh in the standings
Le’s next challenge came in Formula Regional competition. After a learning year in 2024 with G4 Racing, he joined ART Grand Prix in 2025 for dual campaigns in the Formula Regional Middle East Championship and FRECA.
In the Middle East, he celebrated his first Formula Regional victory at the season’s opening round, finishing eighth overall in the standings. In Europe, Le showed maturity and consistency, securing several points finishes, including a best result of fourth at Spa-Francorchamps.
At the same time, Le balanced a part-time GB3 campaign with Hillspeed, where he enjoyed a breakthrough weekend at Spa. Across three races, he earned one win and two additional podiums, further demonstrating his versatility across different cars and championships.
The next chapter: FIA Formula 3
Now, with a solid foundation built across multiple series, Le is ready for his next step. His continuity with ART Grand Prix offers a sense of stability as he transitions into the fiercely competitive world of F3.
“I’m super excited to be racing in FIA F3 next season with ART GP,” said Le. “I am really grateful for the opportunity they have given me to be able to race in this championship. It’s been a good year working with the team in FRECA, and I look forward to getting started in F3. I’d like to thank everyone who has helped me get to this point. I’ll work hard with the team to achieve good results.”
ART Grand Prix Team Principal Sébastien Philippe praised Le’s progression and work ethic, noting the value of continuity between the driver and team.
“Kanato’s move to F3 is the natural continuation of his journey with ART Grand Prix. After two seasons in FRECA, he will now discover an even more demanding category, where every detail makes the difference. Kanato already knows the team and how it operates, which will help him integrate smoothly and focus fully on his driving. This continuity is important both for him and for us, and we are looking forward to the next stages of his development.”
From his early karting triumphs to his upcoming F3 debut, Kanato Le’s career has been defined by steady growth, adaptability, and determination. His journey reflects both talent and resilience — qualities essential for success at the next level. As he prepares to join the grid in 2026, Le carries with him not only the hopes of his team but also those of fans eager to see another Japanese talent make an impact on the international stage.
