Carlin snap up McLaren junior for British F4

Finley Crebolder
Ugo Ugochukwu McLaren

McLaren junior driver Ugo Ugochukwu will drive for Carlin Racing in the British Formula 4 Championship next year.

The American was signed by McLaren in March of this year, with the British team saying they beat multiple F1 rivals to the signature of the 14-year-old who impressed with his karting performances.

He has continued to primarily drive karts since then but has also tried out F4 cars and will be in them full time in 2022, following in the footsteps of Lando Norris by signing for Carlin.

“I’m really excited to move up to British F4 next season and follow in the footsteps of many talented drivers,” he said.

“I feel very comfortable with Carlin and our pre-season preparations are already going well. There will be a lot to learn, but I have a great team around me to help deal with all the challenges.

“I can’t wait to get going.”

Ugochukwu had previously been part of the Sauber academy but was poached by McLaren after a number of strong results in various karting races and championships. 

Next year will be his first full campaign in higher-level machinery, but Carlin have no worries and have been impressed with the work he has already done with them.

“Ugo is an exciting new talent and we are delighted to have him with us for this first step on the single-seater ladder,” said Trevor Carlin.

 

“Despite his very young age, Ugo is doing a great job in winter testing. He’s quietly taking it all in and making big improvements with every session – the sign of a driver full of potential.

“The F4 British Championship is a fantastic series in which to learn, and the incorporation of the new Tatuus T-421 makes the series even more relevant.

“The new car will be a real leveller for all teams and drivers but having produced four driver champions and numerous team titles, we are determined to start this new era of F4 as strongly as possible.”

 

McLaren

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