Louis Sharp, the highly promising New Zealand racing driver, will start his most important season to date in motorsport with a title challenge in the 2026 FR Oceania Trophy. The 18-year-old, who has been making waves in European motorsport, will compete in the four-round international championship with mtec Motorsport, concluding with the prestigious New Zealand Grand Prix.
A star on the rise
Born in Nottingham, UK, but raised in Christchurch, New Zealand, Sharp has been a standout talent in single-seater racing. He began karting at just six years old and quickly rose to become one of New Zealand’s most decorated young drivers. By 12, he had already become the country’s top age group karter, amassing a remarkable list of national titles and series wins that earned him a reputation as one of the brightest talents in New Zealand motorsport.
Sharp made his single-seater debut in 2020 in New Zealand’s Formula First Championship. Over the next few years, he progressed through the ranks, racing in the Formula Ford Championship, where he established himself as one of the top competitors. His performances earned him a call-up to the British Formula 4 Championship, where he finished an impressive fourth overall in 2022, collecting two wins and 12 podiums.
Sharp’s rise continued in 2023 when he returned to British F4 with Rodin Carlin, clinching the championship title after an exceptional season. With six wins, four poles, and 14 podiums, he showcased his speed and consistency, culminating in a hard-fought 13-point victory. Sharp also secured the prestigious 2023 Autosport National Racing Driver of the Year award, making him the youngest recipient and the first-ever single-seater driver to win the accolade.
Building on his success, Sharp joined Rodin Motorsport for the 2024 GB3 Championship. He dominated the series, claiming the title with five wins, five poles, and ten podiums. Sharp’s triumph in GB3 solidified his reputation as one of the top young drivers in European motorsport, earning him a spot as a finalist for the Autosport BRDC Award.
Preparing for a critical sophomore season in FIA F3
After an outstanding 2024 season, Sharp moved up to FIA Formula 3 in 2025 with Rodin Motorsport. Although his rookie season proved challenging, Sharp showed flashes of brilliance, scoring points and gaining invaluable experience in a highly competitive field. Despite not finishing in the points consistently, Sharp’s potential was evident, and he earned a coveted seat with Prema Racing for the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship.
Sharp’s decision to compete in the 2026 FR Oceania Trophy is part of his preparation for the busy season ahead. The New Zealand Championship will provide crucial seat time and a chance to familiarise himself with the region’s challenging circuits before the European season kicks off.
“I am honoured to be joining mtec Motorsport in the upcoming Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy season, and must thank the Tony Quinn Foundation for its support,” Sharp said. “This championship has been on my bucket list since I first started karting, so to be aligning myself with both Tony Quinn and mtec is a dream come true and a great opportunity for me to draw from the knowledge and experience they both hold.”
For Sharp, competing in the FR Oceania Trophy is a unique opportunity to race in his home country while preparing for the challenges of the FIA Formula 3 season. His experience in New Zealand’s competitive motorsport scene will no doubt provide him with the perfect foundation for a successful year ahead.
