GB4 returns for its fifth season with its largest grid to date, as 29 drivers prepare to compete across seven rounds in the United Kingdom in 2026. The championship continues to position itself as an accessible entry point into single-seater racing, with drivers as young as 15 joining the grid.
At the same time, the series builds on the foundations laid in 2025. With a stable technical platform, increased incentives and a refreshed driver line-up, the 2026 season promises both development opportunities and close competition.
Technical package and prizes for 2026 GB4 Championship
GB4 continues with the Tatuus MSV GB4-025, introduced last season as a significant step forward from the previous generation car. The chassis provides improved performance, safety and consistency, which allows drivers to develop their skills in a controlled environment.
In addition, the championship retains its strong incentive structure:
- £50,000 prize for the champion to support a move into GB3
- €50,000 prize for the highest-finishing female driver to support a move into F1 Academy
Therefore, GB4 not only develops drivers technically but also supports progression through the motorsport ladder.
A look back at 2025
The 2025 season delivered one of the most competitive campaigns in GB4 history. A record 31 drivers competed across the year, which underlined the growing appeal of the championship.
Ary Bansal secured the title after a closely fought battle that extended to the final round. He claimed four victories and multiple podiums, while consistently scoring points throughout the season. His teammate Isaac Phelps and Hillspeed’s Daniel Guinchard both remained in contention, which created a tightly contested championship fight.
However, the leading trio have moved on to different paths. Bansal transitions to Italian F4, Phelps moves into sportscars, and Guinchard has yet to confirm his plans. Meanwhile, Ava Dobson, the top female finisher, progresses to F1 Academy.
As a result, the 2026 season begins without a clear favourite, which increases unpredictability.
What’s new in GB4 for 2026
GB4 introduces a series of targeted updates for 2026, which focus on improving race quality, reducing costs and enhancing driver development. While the technical package remains unchanged, these regulatory changes refine the championship experience for teams, drivers and fans alike.
Longer races increase demands
One of the most notable changes for 2026 comes in race duration. Since the championship began in 2022, races had remained fixed at 18 minutes. However, organisers have now extended each race to 20 minutes.
As a result, drivers must manage tyres more carefully while maintaining consistent pace over a longer period. In addition, races will now end when the leader crosses the finish line after the clock reaches zero, which ensures a clear and consistent finish format across all rounds.
Rookie Driver Title introduced
For the first time, GB4 introduces a Rookie Driver Title, which adds an extra competitive layer to the championship. This classification recognises drivers with limited prior experience in car racing.
To qualify as a rookie, a driver must not have competed in more than three car racing events before entering the championship. Therefore, this category highlights true newcomers transitioning from karting or other entry-level disciplines.
Several drivers enter the season eligible for this title, including:
- Jamie Leverton
- Franciszek Cegielski
- Michael Koh
- Jasser Iskander
- Enzo Rujugiro
- Archie Bullard
- Conor Grant
- Jordyn Martin
Additionally, any drivers joining the championship later in the season will remain eligible, provided they meet the criteria.
Tyre restrictions reduce costs
GB4 strengthens its position as a cost-effective entry-level series by introducing stricter tyre usage limits during official test days.
- Less than two hours of track time: one new set of tyres allowed
- Two hours or more: maximum of two new sets
This regulation ensures that teams cannot gain an advantage through excessive testing, while also reducing overall costs. Consequently, drivers must maximise performance within tighter constraints.
Pit lane personnel limits
Organisers also introduce restrictions on pit lane personnel to improve safety and manage costs.
Each car may now have four operational staff members, including a designated controller responsible for safe pit releases. Furthermore, all personnel must wear official GB4 armbands for identification.
This change streamlines operations and ensures a safer working environment during race weekends.
Extended Qualifying at selected rounds
At three events—Oulton Park, Snetterton and Brands Hatch—qualifying sessions will increase from 15 minutes to 20 minutes.
This extended format provides drivers with more opportunities to set competitive lap times, particularly on circuits where track evolution plays a key role. However, the method for setting race grids remains unchanged.
Improved driver identification
To improve visibility for fans and teams, GB4 introduces a new onboard camera colour system.
- Lowest-numbered car: black camera
- Second car: fluorescent yellow
- Third car: fluorescent red
This system makes it easier to identify drivers during close racing, especially within the same team.
Format changes and race structure
GB4 retains a familiar structure while introducing slight variations depending on the circuit.
Standard rounds
- One Qualifying session (15 minutes)
- Three races (20 minutes each)
- Race 1 grid: fastest lap
- Race 2 grid: second-fastest lap
- Race 3 grid: top 12 reversed
Selected rounds (Oulton Park, Snetterton, Brands Hatch)
- Two Qualifying sessions
- Race 3 grid based on Race 2 result (top 12 reversed)
This format ensures a balance between Qualifying performance and racecraft, particularly in reverse-grid conditions.
Points system explained
Race 1 and Race 2
- 1st: 35 points
- Points awarded down to 20th (1 point)
Race 3 (reverse-grid)
- 1st: 20 points
- Points awarded to top 15
- Additional points for positions gained (max 12)
This structure rewards both outright pace and overtaking ability, which creates strategic variation across the weekend.
The 2026 GB4 calendar
- Round 1: Silverstone GP (25–26 April)
- Round 2: Oulton Park International (23–25 May)
- Round 3: Donington Park GP (27–28 June)
- Round 4: Silverstone GP (1–2 August)
- Round 5: Snetterton 300 (15–16 August)
- Round 6: Donington Park GP (5–6 September)
- Round 7: Brands Hatch GP (26–27 September)
The calendar remains unchanged from last season but introduces a revised order. Notably, Silverstone now opens the season, while Brands Hatch hosts the finale. In addition, five rounds run alongside the British GT package, which ensures strong exposure for drivers.
Where to watch the 2026 GB4 Championship
Fans can watch all races live on the MSV TV YouTube channel, with additional coverage available via the championship’s website and Facebook page. Live timing is also available for all sessions.
Teams and drivers in the 2026 GB4 Championship
The 2026 GB4 grid represents the championship’s largest and most varied field to date. With 11 teams and nearly 30 drivers, the series brings together a wide mix of karting graduates, returning drivers and international talent.
At the same time, the departure of key front-runners from 2025 creates a more open competitive landscape. As a result, several returning drivers now have the opportunity to step into leading roles, while rookies aim to make an immediate impact. Consequently, predicting the competitive order remains challenging ahead of the opening round.
Elite Motorsport
Elite Motorsport enters 2026 as the team to beat after securing a dominant teams’ title last season. The team now blends raw talent with drivers transitioning from other disciplines.
- Emmilio Valentino Del Grosso (#5) – The Italian-Venezuelan driver steps up from Ginetta Juniors after a season in which he showed consistent improvement and regularly scored points. He has already gained some single-seater experience through winter series appearances, which should ease his transition. Therefore, he will aim to build steadily across the season while adapting to the increased demands of GB4 machinery.
- Fred Green (#51) – One of the standout rookies on the grid, Green arrives after an exceptional Ginetta Junior campaign where he secured multiple wins and podiums. He has already demonstrated strong pace in pre-season testing despite limited single-seater experience. As a result, he could emerge as an early contender if he adapts quickly.
- Matan Achituv (#77) – The Israeli driver brings experience from US single-seater racing, including USF Juniors. While he has not yet competed in Europe, his previous experience in formula cars gives him a solid foundation. Consequently, he will focus on adapting to new circuits and building consistency.
Hillspeed
Hillspeed returns after a strong 2025 campaign, where it secured second in the teams’ standings. The team now aims to convert that momentum into title contention.
- Demitri Nolan (#6) – The American driver arrives from F4 US with podium finishes and strong racecraft. He has already spent time testing on UK circuits, which gives him a useful advantage. Therefore, he could adapt quickly and challenge for consistent points finishes.
- Enzo Hallman (#7) – One of the most experienced drivers in the field, Hallman returns after securing a race win and multiple podiums last season. He demonstrated strong racecraft, particularly in reverse-grid conditions. As a result, he enters 2026 as a potential front-runner.
- Connor Willis (#99) – The American driver brings experience from Formula Ford competitions in the UK. He has already raced on several GB4 circuits, which should help his transition. Consequently, he aims to build consistency and move into the midfield battle.
Fortec Motorsport
Fortec Motorsport combines experience with emerging talent as it looks to return to the front of the grid.
- Thomas Ingram Hill (#8) – The British driver returns after a strong rookie season that included podium finishes and consistent points scoring. He also gained experience in British F4, which strengthens his overall skill set. Therefore, he aims to convert that experience into regular top-five finishes.
- Franciszek Cegielski (#11) – The Polish driver steps up from karting as a highly regarded prospect. His strong results at national and international level highlight his raw pace. However, he will need to adapt quickly to car racing, which presents a significant challenge.
- Jordyn Martin (#88) – The American driver makes her debut after transitioning from motocross to circuit racing. While she has limited experience, she has already shown determination and adaptability. As a result, her focus will be on gaining experience and improving steadily.
Douglas Motorsport
Douglas Motorsport builds on a strong debut season and enters 2026 with a competitive and well-rounded line-up.
- Jason Smyth (#26) – The Irish driver arrives as one of the most decorated drivers on the grid after dominating Formula Ford. His record of wins and podiums highlights his racecraft and consistency. Therefore, he enters GB4 as a genuine title contender.
- Dayton Coulthard (#28) – The returning driver showed strong progress last season, securing a race win and multiple top finishes. Backed by Red Bull, he has demonstrated strong pace in testing. Consequently, he could emerge as a consistent front-runner.
- Conor Grant (#54) – The Irish driver makes his UK racing debut after gaining experience in US F4. He has shown promising pace in limited appearances. As a result, he aims to adapt quickly and establish himself in the midfield.
Arden Motorsport
Arden continues to develop young talent with a line-up that blends raw potential with experience.
- Charlie Myers (#22) – The British driver steps up from karting, where he gained experience at both national and international level. He faces a steep learning curve but brings strong potential.
- Michael Koh (#24) – Another karting graduate, Koh has already begun testing in F4 machinery. He will focus on adapting to the physical and technical demands of single-seater racing.
- Solenn Amrouche (#95) – The most experienced driver in the team, Amrouche brings a diverse background that includes single-seaters and endurance racing. Her experience could allow her to compete more consistently for points.
KMR Sport
KMR Sport aims to return to championship-winning form after a quieter 2025 campaign.
- Alex O’Grady (#3) – The Irish driver returns after securing a race win and multiple podiums last season. He has consistently shown strong pace in testing. Therefore, he enters 2026 as one of the leading contenders.
- Lily-May Watkins (#15) – Watkins gained valuable experience in her debut season and showed improved pace in testing. She aims to convert that progress into regular points finishes.
- Holly Miall (#23) – The British driver returns after a consistent season in which she scored points regularly. She now aims to take another step forward and challenge for top-10 finishes.
Pace Performance
Pace Performance continues to develop drivers through its structured pathway system.
- John O’Donnell (#17) – Returns after a partial debut season, where he gained valuable experience despite limited preparation. He now aims to improve consistency.
- Torrin Byrne (#18) – Steps up from Ginetta Juniors after achieving podium finishes. He aims to adapt quickly to single-seater racing.
- Josh McLean (#76) – Returns after a consistent season in which he finished most races. He now aims to move further up the order.
Nitrous Competitions ADM Racing
The team expands its programme and looks to establish itself as a competitive force.
- Caitlyn McDaniel (#35) – One of the most consistent drivers last season, having finished every race she entered. She now aims to build on that reliability with stronger results.
- Luke Hilton (#42) – A standout performer in pre-season testing, Hilton has already shown front-running pace. As a result, he could emerge as a surprise contender.
Fox Motorsport
Fox Motorsport fields a young and ambitious line-up focused on long-term development.
- Jasser Iskander (#33) – The Saudi driver steps up after winning a karting championship. He now begins his single-seater career.
- Enzo Rujugiro (#36) – Brings international karting experience and limited F4 racing exposure. He aims to develop steadily.
- Archie Bullard (#48) – Transitions from karting and testing programmes into his first full season. He focuses on learning and progression.
Scorpio Motorsport
Scorpio Motorsport returns with a small but developing line-up.
- Romuald Bocquet (#9) – The French driver gained limited F4 experience and now continues his development in GB4.
- Archie Davies (#87) – Moves from junior touring cars into single-seaters. He brings race-winning experience but must adapt to a new discipline.
Idola Motorsport
A new team entering its first full season in the championship.
- Jamie Leverton (#4) – Steps up from karting and simulator training programmes. He has already tested GB4 machinery and now begins his first full campaign. His focus will be on gaining experience and building consistency.
Conclusion
GB4 2026 promises another competitive and unpredictable season. With a record grid, returning teams and a wave of new talent, the championship continues to grow in both scale and importance.
Moreover, the absence of a clear favourite creates opportunities for multiple drivers to emerge as contenders. Therefore, the season could deliver close racing and dramatic championship battles.
Ultimately, GB4 remains a vital first step for drivers beginning their journey towards higher levels of motorsport.
