New Zealand racing talent Sebastian Manson has officially confirmed his place on the grid for the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT). The 17-year-old from Auckland will return for his second consecutive season in his home country’s premier championship, where he is eager to build on the momentum from a successful 2025 season. Manson’s strong performance in the 2025 championship, which included two race wins and a sixth-place overall finish, has him poised to achieve even more in the coming season.
Building on a strong 2025 season
Manson’s 2025 campaign was a significant milestone in his career, marking his first full year racing internationally. After securing two wins in the CTFROT, he quickly became one of the championship’s standout talents. Beyond his success in New Zealand, Manson expanded his horizons by competing in the USF Pro 2000 Championship with TJ Speed Motorsports and in the Formula Regional Japanese Championship, where he earned a commendable second-place finish overall.
Rejoining M2 Competition for a competitive campaign
For 2026, Manson will re-join M2 Competition, the team with which he secured his success in 2025. The partnership with M2, a squad well-known for developing young drivers, gives Manson the perfect platform to further hone his skills and challenge for top results. His season will begin at what is effectively his home track, Hampton Downs, during the weekend of January 9-11.
The four-round CTFROT championship will take place across both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. It will conclude with the prestigious 70th New Zealand Grand Prix, an event that has long been a highlight of the country’s motorsport calendar. Manson’s goal is clear: to improve on his past results and push himself to the front of the grid.
A bright future ahead
Steady progress and significant achievements have marked Manson’s journey from karting to Formula Regional. From his early days as a karting champion to his dominant performances in Formula Ford, Manson has shown impressive growth in every category he has entered. His move into the CTFROT and subsequent international experiences, including his time in Japan and the US, have only solidified his reputation as one of New Zealand’s brightest young talents.
“I’m definitely excited to be back for a second full season,” he said. “It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store. I’m ready to take the next step in my career and continue improving.”
With his impressive track record and strong determination, Sebastian Manson is set to make an even bigger impact in the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy. As he continues to build on his successes both at home and abroad, Manson’s return to the grid promises to be an exciting chapter in his motorsport journey. Fans can expect an electrifying season as Manson aims for new heights in his quest to become one of the top drivers in global motorsport.
