Mexican teenager Ernesto Rivera will add further international depth to the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT). As a result, the championship once again underlines its reputation as a key launchpad for future FIA Formula 3 contenders. Moreover, Rivera will race in 2026 CTFROT with the multi-championship winning M2 Competition team, which further strengthens an already impressive entry list.
Rivera will use the four-round CTFROT series as a crucial step towards his full FIA Formula 3 campaign later in 2026. Consequently, he follows a well-proven pathway taken by many Red Bull-backed drivers before him. In addition, he will remain with Campos Racing for his F3 programme, continuing a partnership that has shaped his development across several junior categories.
Rapid progress in single-seaters
Although Rivera only made the transition to single-seaters in 2024, he has already produced eye-catching results. That season, he competed in both the Formula Winter Series and the Spanish Formula 4 Championship with Campos Racing. While the winter programme allowed him to build experience, he then made an immediate impression in Spanish F4. Not only did he secure his first victory at Portimão, but he also finished fifth overall in the championship, completing a highly consistent rookie campaign. Furthermore, he broadened his experience with a one-off appearance in the British Formula 4 Championship at Zandvoort, which highlighted his willingness to adapt quickly to new circuits and environments.
Subsequently, Rivera stepped up to Eurocup-3 in 2025, once again with Campos Racing. As a result of his adaptability and racecraft, he claimed three wins and secured fourth place in the final standings. In addition, he gained valuable early experience in Formula Regional machinery as a guest driver in the Spanish Winter Championship, where he recorded a best finish of sixth. Therefore, his move into the CTFROT represents a natural and well-timed step as he prepares for the demands of FIA Formula 3.
A rapid rise from karting excellence
However, Rivera’s motorsport journey began later than most of his peers. Reflecting on his background, he said: “I started a bit late in motorsport really, with my first kart race was in 2021. Everything has happened very quickly and I’ve been learning very fast. I have done less than three years of karting and two years in formula cars.”
Despite that late start, he built an outstanding karting record in a short space of time. Between 2021 and 2023, he became a regular front-runner at the SKUSA SuperNationals. Not only did he win the X30 Junior title in 2022, but he also captured both the X30 Junior and KA100 Senior crowns in 2023. In addition, he gained international exposure by competing at the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals in Bahrain.
Ready for his New Zealand debut
Now, Rivera turns his focus to New Zealand for his first appearance in the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy. Importantly, he arrives with confidence built on rapid learning, strong results and a clear sense of direction. Looking ahead to the challenge, he added: “It’s fair to say I do believe hard work beats talent and hope to show that I have both when I race in New Zealand for the first time.”
Ultimately, Rivera’s blend of karting success, swift single-seater progression and Red Bull backing positions him as one of the standout prospects to watch throughout the 2026 CTFROT season.
