PREMA Racing has confirmed that Sebastian Wheldon will compete in the 2026 FIA Formula Regional European Championship (FREC), stepping up from Formula 4 to the newly revamped category. The 17-year-old American progresses after an impressive rise through the junior single-seater ranks and continues his development with the Italian powerhouse squad.
Stephen Mitas, Team Principal & CEO, said: “Sebastian has been really impressive since his very first steps with the team. He is a hard worker and a strong competitor, and we are confident that, working together, we will be up to pace with the series’ new package. We will support him in the transition and look forward to competing in the new era of Formula Regional together.”
Strong momentum in Formula 4 sees Wheldon step up to FREC with PREMA in 2025
Wheldon made his European debut in 2025 and immediately established himself as a front-runner in both the Italian F4 Championship and the E4 Championship.
He secured seven wins, three pole positions and nine podium finishes across the main Formula 4 season. He also impressed in the F4 Middle East Championship and claimed victory in the Formula Trophy UAE series with PREMA.
Before moving to Europe, Wheldon won the 2023 Skip Barber Formula Race Series title in dominant fashion, collecting six wins and 13 podiums. He then finished third in USF Juniors in 2024 after taking multiple victories.
He recently completed the Formula Regional Middle East Trophy, where he again emerged as a consistent podium contender.
Continuing a racing legacy
Sebastian is the son of two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and IndyCar champion Dan Wheldon, who lost his life in a racing accident in 2011. Sebastian continues to forge his own path while honouring his father’s legacy. He featured in the HBO Max documentary The Lionheart, which explored the impact of his father’s career and legacy on the Wheldon family.
In 2025, he drove the pace car during the parade lap at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in tribute to his father, marking a poignant moment in his young career.
Wheldon is also a member of the Andretti Global driver development programme, underlining the strength of support behind his progression.
Wheldon expressed his enthusiasm about stepping up to Formula Regional with PREMA: “It feels great to be back with PREMA and to move up to FIA FREC this year. We had a really good first season, winning races in Formula 4, and I’m looking forward to what we can accomplish in 2026! I feel adjusted to the European environment and feel at home within the team. I want to thank TWG Motorsports for continuing to support me. Excited for what’s ahead!”
With proven race-winning form in Formula 4 and strong experience across the Middle East and Europe, Wheldon now prepares to tackle a new challenge as he aims to establish himself in the next phase of his single-seater career.
