Fionn McLaughlin is preparing for his 2026 rookie F3 season with Hitech after a breakthrough year in single-seater racing and a winter built around precision and progress. The 18-year-old Irishman enjoyed immediate success in 2025, finishing third in the Formula Winter Series before securing the British F4 Championship with the British squad. Now, he continues that partnership as he graduates to the FIA Formula 3 Championship with Hitech, ready to tackle a deeper grid and a significantly more demanding car.
A “very, very, big jump” from F4 to F3 for McLaughlin in 2026
McLaughlin does not underestimate the scale of the challenge ahead. Moving from F4 machinery to F3 represents a clear step in performance, complexity and competition level.
“A very, very, big jump from F4,” said McLaughlin on stepping up to F3. “But I’m definitely very excited to drive a car that’s completely different and very fast.
The Irish driver recognises that the championship environment itself will push him further than ever before. With 30 drivers on the grid, the margins for error shrink and execution becomes paramount. Fortunately, he benefits from his familiarity with Hitech.
“To drive in such a high level Championship this year, with 30 drivers on the grid, that’s quite amazing. So to have an opportunity to be here is something I’m very grateful for and I’m going to try and make the most of it. It’s good to have a team that you’ve been with already and you know very well, and I’m trying to make the most of it with them, and to try and learn as much as I can this year.”
However, while McLaughlin embraces the opportunity, he also acknowledges the technical adjustments required. The most striking difference came from the level of grip available in F3 machinery compared to F4. That additional performance demands trust in the car and commitment in high-speed corners.
“It’s very, very grippy compared to an F4 car,” said McLaughlin. “So with the lateral grip you have to use as much as you can out of it and I couldn’t believe how much you could use. Trying to get used to that was quite tough, but now I’m there and I’m going to hopefully be good for the start of the season.”
Intensive preparation with Red Bull and winter racing ahead of 2026 F3 debut campaign
To ensure he arrives fully prepared, McLaughlin structured his winter around simulator development, private testing and competitive track time. He spent extensive hours in the simulator with Red Bull Racing while continuing his work with Hitech. In addition, he travelled to New Zealand to compete in the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT), maintaining race sharpness ahead of Round 1 in Melbourne.
“I did a lot of simulator work at Red Bull and then I was in New Zealand racing,” said McLaughlin on his preparations. “It’s been good, a few private tests as well, so I’m trying to prepare as well as I can for heading into the season.
Racing in Oceania provided more than just mileage. It delivered high-level competition and valuable experience against drivers he will meet again in F3.
“In racing terms, it’s good to get the cobwebs off. The grid was very tough, so to race high level drivers as well was good and to compete against people that I’ll be racing this year as well was nice.”
Monaco, Spa and qualifying focus for McLaughlin ahead of 2026 F3 campaign
Beyond performance targets, McLaughlin looks forward to experiencing iconic venues for the first time. The 2026 calendar will take him to circuits he has never previously raced at, adding another layer of excitement for him.
“Mostly everything,” he said when asked what he was most excited for in 2026. “I haven’t been to basically all the tracks.
Among them, Monaco stands out as a highlight. Street circuits appeal to his driving style, and he relishes the challenge of threading an F3 car through narrow barriers. Spa-Francorchamps also sits high on his list, particularly the first run through one of motorsport’s most famous corners.
“Monaco is really special, it’s a street circuit, I love street circuits. Macau was very enjoyable for me and driving in such a cool place like Monaco as well is amazing. Then I think Spa, it’s a very famous track, I’ve never been and going up Eau Rouge that first time will be amazing.
While he anticipates those landmark moments, McLaughlin anchors his goals in performance fundamentals. He identifies qualifying execution as a key area for growth in a field where hundredths of a second separate the grid.
“I think making the most out of the lap and qualifying is my goal. It’s probably a small goal for me, but my racing and my tyre management are normally really good. So I’ve been good at that but trying to make the most out of the lap and qualifying will be a tough one this year and it’ll be very important because everyone’s going to be so close.”
Now, as he steps into his rookie F3 campaign, McLaughlin combines gratitude with ambition. With Hitech continuity, Red Bull-backed preparation and a clear focus on qualifying precision, he now turns his attention to delivering when the season begins.
