Connor Willis has made a steady and promising start to his first GB4 Championship campaign, with the American already establishing himself as one of the most consistent drivers on the grid.
The Hillspeed driver has finished all six races inside the top 10 so far this season, making him one of only three competitors to achieve that record. After stepping up from Formula Ford for 2026, Willis has adapted quickly to the Tatuus MSV GB4-025 and currently sits eighth in the Drivers’ Championship.
His strongest result came in the reverse-grid final race at Oulton Park, where he finished fourth after recovering from an early setback. Across the weekend, Willis continued to score important points while gaining further experience with slick tyres, aerodynamics and the demands of GB4 machinery.
Willis reflects on best result of the season
Willis ended the Oulton Park weekend with his strongest finish of the year so far. In the reverse-grid race, he dropped to sixth before fighting back to fourth, showing both racecraft and composure during a busy contest.
“The car felt great in the final race,” said Willis to GB4. “I dropped down to sixth and then got back up to fourth. It was eventful with the yellow flags, finding where to pass and dirty air. I learned a tonne.”
That fourth place gave Willis another top-10 finish and added further momentum to his early-season campaign. More importantly, it gave him valuable experience in traffic, especially as he continues to learn how the GB4 car behaves when following closely through corners.
Top-10 finishes despite car issues
Before his fourth-place finish, Willis had already secured seventh and ninth in the opening two races at Oulton Park. However, those results came despite mechanical issues that affected the car throughout both 20-minute races.
“The rear roll bar was broken and we had some problems,” he said. “To still finish the first two races in the top 10 with those issues was pretty solid, I’ll take that.”
Those points helped preserve his perfect top-10 record across the first six races of the season. In a championship where consistency can prove crucial, Willis has already built a strong foundation.
Consistency gives Willis confidence
After two rounds, Willis sits eighth in the Drivers’ Championship. Although he has yet to stand on the podium, his ability to score in every race has kept him in the early championship mix.
“We’re getting some good points on the board and staying consistent,” he said. “Lots happened [at Oulton Park], lots learnt and good confidence moving forward where we can keep progressing, which is good.”
That approach reflects the new stage of his career. Willis has only recently moved into UK racing, and his first GB4 campaign also marks his first competitive experience with slicks and wings. Therefore, each race gives him another chance to build speed, confidence and technical understanding.
Stepping up from Formula Ford
The 2026 season represents a significant technical step for Willis. Last year, he raced in Formula Ford, a category without wings or slick tyres. GB4 now requires him to manage aerodynamics, tyre preparation and the effects of dirty air.
“Coming from Formula Fords last year, we had no dirty air [and] you’d just be on the bumper, bump drafting even, the whole time,” he explained. “Adding aerodynamics and having experience at the front now, it’s been a blast.”
The change has given Willis a new set of skills to develop. While Formula Ford rewards close racing and mechanical feel, GB4 adds another layer through downforce and tyre management. Willis has embraced that learning curve.
“I’m loving it,” he continued. “Slick tyres are great. Having to heat them up, not having tread tyres, I’ve learnt so much and just keep progressing.
“Last year was my first real year with coaching and racing, so this is my second year in real racing in the UK. Just to move over here was a big commitment but I’m glad it is all working out and going well.”
Heat adds another challenge at Oulton Park
Oulton Park also gave Willis unusually warm conditions for a UK race weekend. The circuit experienced the hottest May Day Bank Holiday in more than 80 years, with temperatures reaching 33 degrees Celsius.
For Willis, who has experience of warmer climates in the United States, the heat brought both difficulty and opportunity.
“I like the warmth, I love the warm states like Florida back home,” he said. “In the car, it might be a little much with the fire suit, especially with the red flags. But maybe it can give me an advantage, how I deal with the heat better.”
The conditions added physical demands during race delays and stoppages. However, Willis viewed them as another area where he could use his background to his advantage.
Donington Park next for Willis
The third round of the 2026 GB4 Championship season will take place at Donington Park from 25-28 June. After six consecutive top-10 finishes, Willis heads into the next event with confidence in both Hillspeed and his own progress.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. “We know we have a good car setup as well, so we have the team, we have the driver and we have the package, so we are going to show [the grid] some things.”
Willis has already shown consistency in the opening phase of the season. Now, with more experience in the GB4 car and a growing understanding of slicks, wings and racecraft, he will aim to turn that foundation into even stronger results at Donington Park.
