Irish rising star Fionn McLaughlin, fresh off a dominant 2025 season in British F4, will race in the 2026 Castrol Toyota FR Oceania Trophy in New Zealand with his new team, Hitech. This early-season campaign will serve as a key prelude to his FIA Formula 3 debut in 2026, where he will join the Hitech TGR team as part of the Red Bull Junior program.
A rising star in motorsport
At just 18 years old, McLaughlin has quickly become one of the brightest prospects in motorsport. His karting career, which spanned from 2016 to 2024, was nothing short of remarkable. Despite narrowly missing out on the FIA World Karting Championship title in 2023, McLaughlin’s ability on track was undeniable. His success in karting earned him a spot in the Red Bull Junior program, a significant step in his career that saw him transition to single-seaters in 2024.
In his first year in single-seaters, McLaughlin impressed as a rookie, laying the foundations for a sensational 2025 season in British F4. He dominated the championship, clinching the overall title by more than 50 points and the rookie title by a massive 200+ point margin. His performance demonstrated not only his raw talent but also his potential for future success at the highest levels of motorsport.
FR Oceania and FIA F3
The 2026 season promises to be even bigger for McLaughlin, who is determined to continue his rapid ascent. Racing in the 2026 FR Oceania Trophy will provide invaluable experience as he prepares for his FIA Formula 3 campaign with Hitech TGR. His ambition to win in New Zealand, along with his goals for FIA F3, shows his unwavering commitment to a future in Formula 1.
“The goal is to make 2026 even bigger—winning in New Zealand and performing well in FIA F3,” McLaughlin said. “I know the road to Formula 1 is long, but I’m working hard to get there, and I’ll keep pushing myself to improve every day.”
Despite the promising trajectory of his career, McLaughlin remains grounded, always mindful of the sacrifices made by his family to help him reach this point. “I’m here because my family has given up so much to support me. They’ve put in the long drives, the early mornings, and the late nights. I never take this position for granted, and I work hard every day to make the most of it.”
New Zealand’s Formula Regional championship has long been a launchpad for drivers aiming for Formula 1. Red Bull Junior drivers like Daniil Kvyat, Yuki Tsunoda, and last season’s standout Arvid Lindblad all used the championship as a key step in their journey toward F1. McLaughlin is the latest Red Bull Junior to take on the challenge, following in the footsteps of these elite drivers.
A high-quality field awaits
McLaughlin will race alongside some of the most talented young drivers from around the world, with the New Zealand championship promising to feature a high-quality grid. Hitech, one of two new teams to join the series this season, will provide McLaughlin with top-tier support as he continues his rapid development.
As McLaughlin sets his sights on both the FR Oceania Trophy and his upcoming FIA F3 debut, the 2026 season marks a significant step in his journey toward Formula 1. With his combination of raw talent, focus, and work ethic, Fionn McLaughlin is one to watch in the coming years.
