18 year-old American-Jamaican driver Alex Powell is set to replace Louis Sharp at PREMA Racing for the final two rounds of the 2026 F3 season. With Sharp’s departure, the 18 year-old will race alongside James Wharton and José Garfais at the team. In addition to racing in the final two rounds of the season, Powell will also take part in the upcoming Madrid test, which takes place from 24-25th August.
This announcement comes after PREMA confirmed Sharp’s departure from the team earlier today, with both parties mutually agreeing to part ways ahead of the penultimate round in Monza. With two rounds remaining in the season, Sharp ends his 2026 F3 campaign 17th in the Drivers’ Standings with 21 points.
A homecoming for Powell at PREMA
Although the American-Jamaican driver makes his F3 debut in Monza, he returns to a familiar team. Powell began his single-seater career with the Italian outfit in Italian F4 in 2023. However, in 2026, Powell committed to a full-time Eurocup-3 campaign with Campos Racing, where he currently sits 6th in the standings with 62 points.
Ahead of his debut, Powell spoke about the opportunity, saying: “It means a lot to be coming back to PREMA. This team gave me my first opportunity in single-seaters, and returning for the final part of the F3 2026 season is a great opportunity to show what I can do. I can’t wait to get in the car, and I’ll give it everything.”
However, PREMA Team Principal and CEO Stephen Mitas welcomed the 18-year-old back to the team, praising Powell’s development and expressing his excitement about working with him across the final two rounds of the season.
“We’re delighted to welcome Alex back to PREMA. He’s a driver we know well, and one who has already shown us what he can do in F4. His pace, racecraft and attitude make him a strong fit to contest the remainder of the season, and we’re looking forward to working together again.”
