Gerrard Xie made the move to Europe in 2023 before eventually stepping up to FIA F3 this season. The Chinese driver’s best result of the season came in the Hungarian GP Sprint, where he finished tenth—his sole points finish of the year. Back in June, Xie spoke exclusively to Pit Debrief as he reflected on his big move to Europe and the support he continues to receive from back home.
Preparation for unfamiliar tracks
Stepping up to FIA F3 with Hitech in 2025 was no easy task for Xie, as he began the season racing on circuits that were completely unfamiliar to him. Simulators have become an essential tool for many drivers when preparing for each race weekend. While he admitted that while simulators are useful, Xie explained how nothing compares to the real life experience of driving on track.
Xie said: “Of course, because even though we have simulators, it’s always a bit different than actually driving on the track. It’s always good to be driving on the track before, and then just to see all the reference. Even sometimes you don’t see on the sim [simulator], there’s some different reference.”
“So yeah, it’s always good to race on the track before, and then have a bit more confidence on the track, and then just to do it again in the bigger, faster car.”
Adjusting to paddock culture and lifestyle in Europe
After building his karting and early single-seater career in Asia, Xie took a major step in his career by moving to Europe. Having dominated the 2022 Chinese F4 Championship where he secured the title, he now faced the challenge of adapting to a very different racing environment.
Xie admitted the move to the UK was a culture shock, with greater physical demands and attention to detail than he was used to. However, he noted his rapid progression and adaptation within the last two years.
“Yeah, I think it’s for sure a culture shock. When I moved to the UK, the team looks a lot more into details than I used to, and physical-wise, it’s a lot higher than I expected. But I just adapt to it.”
“Within two years, we’ve made huge progress. Also, especially, I didn’t do 10 years European karting as well. Also, in the paddock, there’s a lot more people, I would say, following the event.”
When asked which track he’d like to see added to the calendar, the 19 year-old pointed to the sport’s popularity in China and said racing at Shanghai would be a “very cool track” to experience.
“I think China’s Formula 1 has a lot of crowds. So, yeah, if I want to add a track, I will try to add Shanghai, because it’s also a very cool track to qualify in racing.”
Support from home
Since the Chinese GP returned to the calendar last year, motorsport and Formula 1 fans in China have remained a significant presence in the sport. Although born in Hong Kong, Xie races under the Chinese flag. He shared how the support from the Chinese community has been an important source of motivation for him. Noting that while fans back at home understand the challenges of being a rookie in F3, they continue to support and encourage him.
Xie said: “Yes, the support back home obviously is good. And the Chinese community is quite crucial, especially in racing. But no, I think it’s great.”
“It’s good, more motivation for me. And then they saw me and they’re like, ok, it’s like the first year and probably it’s not that easy, the championship. So yeah, I think it’s quite good from them.”
First Chinese F3 driver since 2019
Before Xie joined the grid this year, FIA F3 had not featured a new Chinese driver since Ye Yifei competed in the series in 2019. Similarly to Xie, Yifei also drove for Hitech. The 19 year-old explained that he doesn’t feel any added pressure being the first Chinese driver the series has seen since 2019. Instead, he explained how his focus remained on improving his performance and delivering strong results as the season progressed.
“Well, actually, I don’t have any more pressure to being the first Chinese F3 driver since 2019, because I was always just trying to focus on my things, just to try to improve as a driver and try to deliver the results. Although it’s not happening yet, but I’m pretty sure the rest of the season [season was still ongoing] we can be strong enough to challenge for the results.”
Words of wisdom to aspiring young Chinese drivers
Xie shared some words of wisdom for young aspiring drivers back at home. He advised young drivers to trust themselves and start their careers early in Europe if they realise they have the talent, noting that the higher level of competition there helps them develop faster. The Chinese driver reflected and realised later in his career how beneficial it is to begin racing in Europe at a young age.
“I would say just trust in yourself and try to do as hard as you can. And especially when you’re at a young age, if you found you have the talent, just try to begin in Europe. And that’s more competitive and lets you grow a lot more as a driver, I would say.”
“That’s why I didn’t do it. And I realised later in my career, I found out it’s always a good thing to start racing in Europe at a very young age.”
Having finished the 2025 FIA F3 season in 29th with one point, Xie’s plans for 2026 are yet to be revealed. While he gained valuable experience this year, a return next season would likely see Xie improve further, supported by the support of his fans back at home in China.
