Hitech has officially confirmed Santino Panetta as its first driver for the team’s debut in the 2026 Eurocup-3 Championship. This announcement marks a significant milestone for the British racing team as it expands its presence in the competitive European single-seater racing scene. Thus, the addition of the 16-year-old Argentinian driver signals Hitech’s commitment to developing young talent and strengthening its foothold in junior motorsport.
A promising start to Panetta’s career
Hailing from Campana, Buenos Aires, Santino has already shown remarkable potential in his early motorsport career. In 2025, he made a successful transition from karting to single-seaters, competing in the F4 Spanish Championship. Despite being just 16 years old, Santino demonstrated impressive skill and maturity behind the wheel, quickly gaining recognition as one of the most promising emerging talents in motorsport. His performance in F4 laid a strong foundation for this exciting next step in his career.
Hitech’s strategic move into Eurocup-3
Hitech’s decision to enter the Eurocup-3 Championship underscores the team’s growing ambition to nurture young drivers as they progress through the racing ladder. Moreover, the Eurocup-3 series serves as a crucial platform for drivers aiming to bridge the gap between Formula 4 and higher-tier single-seater categories. The championship offers a vital opportunity for drivers like Santino to gain valuable experience and refine their skills in a highly competitive environment, furthering their development on the international stage.
Bruin Beasley, Hitech’s Eurocup-3 Team Manager, spoke about the team’s exciting new venture: “This is another exciting new chapter for Hitech and the growing talent base at the F4-level. Joining Eurocup-3 allows us to broaden our driver development programme and compete in one of Europe’s fastest-growing series. We’re pleased to welcome Santino as our first driver and we look forward to building a competitive team.”
Panetta’s excitement for the new challenge
For Panetta, joining Hitech for their Eurocup-3 debut represents a huge opportunity in his young career. Therefore, the Argentinian driver expressed his excitement about the challenge ahead:
“Joining Hitech for their Eurocup-3 debut is an incredible opportunity for me. I’m eager to learn and push myself in this new challenge, and I’m proud to be part of a team making its first steps in the series.”
As the 2026 Eurocup-3 season approaches, both Hitech and Panetta are focused on achieving strong results. The team aims to lay a solid foundation for future success, while Panetta is eager to showcase his talent and further establish himself in one of Europe’s most competitive racing environments.
