Tag: F4 British Championship

Van Langendonck, Lennon and Smith Share Wins in Thrilling British F4 Season Opener

The 2026 Wera Tools F4 British Championship began in style at Donington Park, with a packed 31-car grid delivering an exciting opening weekend. Qualifying proved incredibly competitive, with the field separated by fine margins as drivers battled to establish an early advantage in the title race. With multiple young talents and junior programme drivers on the grid, the stage was set for a highly competitive curtain-raiser.

Race 1 saw Dries van Langendonck dominate from pole position, securing a commanding lights-to-flag victory. Post-race penalties reshuffled the order behind him, promoting Jarrett Clark to second and Theo Palmer to third, completing the podium.

In Race 2, Ethan Lennon claimed his maiden win in a shortened, incident-filled reverse-grid contest. He held off late pressure to take victory, while Lewis Wherrell finished second and Scott Kin Lindblom secured third place.

The final race of the weekend initially went the way of van Langendonck on track, but following post-race decisions, the victory was awarded to Joseph Smith. Ethan Jeff-Hall was classified second, with Scott Kin Lindblom completing the podium in third.

Leaving Donington Park, Van Langendonck heads both the Drivers’ and Rookie Cup standings, whilst Rodin Motorsport have earned the early bragging rights in the Teams’ Cup.

Images by Jakob Ebrey

Terrific TOCA supports shine at Donington Park

Donington Park provided the setting for an action-packed bill of TOCA support championships to begin their campaigns this past weekend (April 18-19), with each and every one of them delivering unmissable entertainment.

Tom Ovenden enjoyed the perfect start to his defence of the Power Maxed MINI CHALLENGE JCW as he claimed every point that was on offer.

Returning to defend the crown he won in the one-make series last year, Ovenden stamped his authority on the series in emphatic fashion by firstly claiming pole position in qualifying.

That was to be only the beginning for the EXCELR8 Motorsport driver however as he then swept aside the opposition to clinch three race wins, and accompanied them with a hat-trick of fastest laps as well.

Sam Gornall, Nathan Edwards, Max Edmundson and Charlie Hand emerged as the closest challengers to Ovenden, with each of them standing on the podium at least once over the course of the weekend.

A record 31-car grid lined up for the opening three rounds of the Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA, where three different drivers having stood on the top step of the podium.

Title favourite and McLaren Development Driver Dries Van Langendonck claimed a commanding lights-to-flag victory in race one before his Rodin Motorsport team-mate Ethan Lennon then came to the fore to win a truncated second contest.

Van Langendonck returned to the head of the field in the weekend’s finale however he was adjudged to have caused a collision with Theo Palmer and was handed a time penalty, which in-turn promoted Joseph Smith to top spot.

Over in the Porsche Carwow Carrera Cup Great Britain, Junior GB driver Callum Voisin made the perfect start to the season as he hustled his Century Motorsport machine to victory in a fast and furious opener.

Marking his debut in style, Voisin was the class of the field in race one however he was unable to repeat the feat in the partially reversed grid bout, which was won for the first time by the experienced Ollie Jackson.

The Porsche Carwow Sprint Challenge Great Britain also wowed the crowds under the flight path of East Midlands airport, with three races and one driver standing head and shoulders above the rest.

After narrowly missing out on the coveted crown last year, Joe Marshall is back for a second season and the Team Parker Racing driver made the perfect start to his title challenge as he snared victory in all three races.

Rounding out the support race action on the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship bill was a guest appearance from the Legends Cars Championship, which was starting its Elite Cup.

Six breathtaking races culminated in wins falling the way of Aaron Cooke, Tyler Read and Andy Bird.

To view the full classification of results from all championships on the Donington Park bill, CLICK HERE.

BTCC headlines British battles this weekend

The TOCA package led by the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, organised and officiated by the British Automobile Racing Club is ready for the season opener this weekend at Donington Park (18-19 April).

Supporting the BTCC will be packed grids on a busy timetable across Saturday and Sunday. MINI Challenge JCW, Porsche Carwow Carrera Cup Great Britain, Wera Tools F4 British Championship, certified by FIA, Porsche Carwow Sprint Challenge Great Britain all kick-start their seasons under the spotlight of the ITV cameras this weekend.

The BARC will also have a presence in the south downs with the Goodwood Members’ Meeting taking place at the Sussex Goodwood circuit.

When is the next BARC weekend?
The next events will be this weekend – 18th/19th April

Where are the events being held?
Donington Park National
Address: Donington Park, Castle Donington, Derby, DE74 2BN

Goodwood Members’ Meeting
Address: Goodwood Motor Circuit, Chichester PO18 0PH

What is racing this weekend?
Donington Park – Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, MINI Challenge JCW, Porsche Carwow Carrera Cup Great Britain, Wera Tools F4 British Championship, certified by FIA, Porsche Carwow Sprint Challenge Great Britain.

Over at Goodwood there is a whole host of machinery in action. From Formula 1, Touring Cars, Sports Cars and Bikes.

How can I watch?

At Home
The TOCA Donington Park race weekend package will be broadcast live and for free on ITV4 and ITVX on Saturday and Sunday in the UK.

This weekend’s race day action will feature on the home of the BTCC, ITV4, from 10:45 on Sunday (19 April), while the ITV YouTube page will host the Qualifying Race and Qualifying on Saturday (18 April) from 13:50.

As in 2025, each race day of the season – including all support series’ races – will be streamed LIVE around the globe on the BTCC YouTube channel, with the exception of the UK and North America, which have existing broadcast arrangements.

The BTCC will be aired LIVE in North America (US and Canada), continuing the multi-year agreement with the RACER Network, streaming live and on demand as part of a long-term agreement with the championship.

The Goodwood Member’s Meeting will be streamed throughout the weekend over on the Goodwood Road and Racing YouTube channel.

At the Track
Wanting to soak up the on-track action in person? Tickets are available on the day or on the Donington website from £23 for a Saturday ticket or £36 for a Sunday ticket – with weekend options available from £49.
Tickets can be purchased from here: https://www.donington-park.co.uk/2026/april/kwik-fit-british-touring-car-championship

Over at Goodwood – the event is sold out for 2026 and race goers are advised to sign-up GRRC Fellowship for ticket updates.

What time are things happening on track?

Track action begins at 09:05 on Saturday and 09:10 on Sunday at Donington Park, with BTCC races at 11:30, 14:40 and 17:30 on Sunday. Don’t forget the Saturday Qualifying Race – that will be at 15:05 on Saturday.

At Goodwood there is a packed timetable with track action from 09:15 on Saturday and 09:00 on Sunday.

Do you have any more information?

We have a few other handy links that might be useful to help you enjoy your weekend.

Donington
Live Timing and Commentary: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/261603
Timetable*: www.barc.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/HQ51-Timetable-v5.pdf
Watch Link: www.itv.com/btcc

Goodwood
Entry List: www.youtube.com/@GoodwoodRR
Timetable*: www.goodwood.com/motorsport/members-meeting/plan-your-day/timetable/
Watch Link: www.itv.com/btcc

* Subject to adjustments prior and during the race meeting

The TOCA titans are back in business this weekend and always provide great racing in every category.

TOCA package ready for blockbuster 2026 season

The TOCA weekends are back and the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship and its ultra-competitive support package are set to deliver another thrilling year of action in 2026, with packed grids, exciting new names and returning stars across every category.

BTCC: Big stars, new cars and fresh storylines

Britain’s premier motorsport series, supported by the British Automobile Racing Club returns with renewed intensity as the 2026 campaign promises a blend of established front-runners and exciting new talent.

A host of driver changes, technical developments and highly anticipated debuts set the stage for what is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable seasons in recent years.

With the championship continuing to showcase some of the best tin-top racing in the world, fans can expect the usual wheel-to-wheel action across the UK’s most iconic circuits as the battle for supremacy unfolds. Will Ash Sutton drive to five? Will Tom Ingram net a hat-trick? How will the new Plato Racing team fare? Will the Phoenix rise from the flames over at the Power Maxed camp with their new Audis?

So many stories just waiting to unfold. The talking stops and the driving begins.

British F4: Record-breaking grid signals bright future

The Wera Tools, F4 British Championship, certified by FIA continues to go from strength to strength, with a record 31-car grid confirmed for the 2026 season.

As the first step on the single-seater ladder for many young drivers, the championship remains a crucial proving ground for emerging talent graduating from karting. Running alongside the BTCC package, it delivers fast-paced, closely fought racing while helping shape the stars of tomorrow.

The expanded grid highlights the growing interest in the series and reinforces its status as one of the UK’s leading development categories. All eight teams one a race last year with 15 different drivers standing on the top step. We can’t wait to see what happens in 2026!

Porsche Carrera Cup GB: Sprint Challenge adds new dimension

The Porsche Carwow Carrera Cup Great Britain returns with its trademark blend of precision engineering and high-level competition, once again forming a key part of the TOCA support package.

Featuring identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, the championship places the spotlight firmly on driver skill, producing some of the closest GT racing in the country.

For 2026, the addition of the Sprint Challenge GB further strengthens Porsche’s presence on the grid, creating an expanded pathway within the brand’s motorsport pyramid and adding even more depth to race weekends.

MINI CHALLENGE: Tin-top thrills continue

Rounding out the package, the ever-popular Mini Challenge UK delivers its signature close-quarters racing with packed grids across multiple classes.

A long-standing fixture of the BTCC support bill, the championship provides a competitive and accessible route into touring car racing, with many drivers using it as a stepping stone to higher categories.

Its mix of experienced racers and rising stars ensures unpredictable, action-packed contests at every round.

A must-watch season ahead

With the headline British Touring Car Championship supported by a diverse and high-quality roster of categories, the 2026 season is set to deliver full-throttle entertainment from start to finish.

From future single-seater stars in British F4 to elite GT competition in Carrera Cup and door-to-door battles in the MINI CHALLENGE, the TOCA package once again underlines its reputation as one of the strongest national motorsport line-ups in the world.

Felber twins poised to make British F4 history at Donington Park

History will be made at Donington Park this weekend (18-19 April) as Cash Felber and Roman Felber become the first set of identical twins to compete in the Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA.

Having made their mark on home soil, the United States of America, the talented teenagers are set to cut their teeth on British shores this year as they continue to pursue their dream of one day competing in Formula 1.

As the UK’s premier single-seater series, British F4 provides no better platform for the pair to do just that and expectations are high following the completion of a bumper pre-season testing programme.

Working closely with championship-winning outfit Fortec Motorsports, both Cash and Roman have wracked up invaluable miles across the length and breadth of Europe in recent months – all in preparation for this weekend.

Taking part in what is arguably one of the most stacked campaigns in British F4 history, the twins – who hail from Akron, Ohio – are optimistic of making an immediate impact at what is a truly world-famous circuit.

“It’s finally race week and I’m super pumped to get going at Donington Park,” said Cash. “We’ve been pretty much flat out these past few months and I feel more than ready to hit the track; it’s gonna be interesting to see where we truly stack up against everyone else.

“We’ve got a couple of practice sessions on Thursday to get the car into the sweet spot and then it’ll be straight into qualifying on Saturday. British F4 is the place to be this year but I’m confident I can be in the mix. The aim this weekend are three strong finishes and hopefully a trophy or two.”

Roman added: “We’ve both been really fortunate to have had the pre-season testing programme we’ve had, and having had it I go into this weekend feeling confident that we can be right in the mix at the front.

“Donington Park has a great blend of corners and it’s somewhere I’ve enjoyed going in testing. It promises to be an action-packed weekend and hopefully I can come away having made a strong start to my season.”

British F4 reveals record 30-car entry list for 2026 season

The Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA has today revealed its official entry list for the 2026 season, with a capacity 30-car line-up being confirmed to contend for the UK’s premier single-seater crown.

Launching at Donington Park, Britain’s Formula 4 category once again boasts a star-studded international field this year, with no less than eight different teams battling for honours and drivers representing a total of 14 different countries.

Sticking to the tried and tested format of 30 races and ten events, British F4 will continue to feature on the prestigious British Touring Car Championship bill at eight race meetings – offering unrivalled exposure and coverage to all involved.

Reigning Teams’ champions Rodin Motorsport headline this year’s grid and spearheading their charge is Dries Van Langendonck. The McLaren F1 Development Driver made an instant impact last year, winning on his debut weekend, and now he’s back for a full campaign.

Joining the Belgium racer at the experienced outfit is multiple Ginetta Junior race winner Alfie Slater and South African karting champion Ethan Lennon.

Each of the past two seasons has seen the Drivers’ champion eventually come from Hitech and with an all-new quartet of drivers locked in, the Silverstone-based team is eager to make it three in-a-row this term.

Race winner Adam Al-Azhari has made the jump from Rodin while Theo Palmer will look to build on the lessons that were learnt during his debut season with Xcel Motorsport last year. Partnering them is the talented Red Bull Junior Team duo of Scott Lindblom and Chiara Bäettig.

Chris Dittmann Racing enjoyed a breakout year in 2025 as they claimed a maiden win and they’ll now look to build on that with the experienced trio of Tommy Harfield, Henry Mercier, Piotr Orzechowski and series rookie Daniella Sutton.

Mercedes F1 Junior Ethan Jeff-Hall was a race winner last season too and he will undoubtedly be in contention for outright honours as he returns with Argenti Motorsport. Rising single-seater talents Leon Hedfors, Vegard Klemetsen and Sun Anzhe complete the team’s stable.

History will be made over at Fortec Motorsport this year as Cash Felber and Roman Felber become the first twin brothers to compete in British F4. The American duo arrive on British shores looking to continue the success they’ve enjoyed during their rise up the ranks in recent years.

Another American, Ginetta Junior graduate Ethan Carney, joins the Felber’s at Richard Dutton’s squad and completing the Fortec line-up is the talented Kit Belofsky, who last year charged to the Saudi Arabian F4 Championship title.

Xcel Motorsport have been a growing force in the championship since debuting two years ago and they’re back to challenge once more. South African Cole Hewetson stays put for a second season and he is joined by debutants Mate Kobakhidze, Jaber Alsabah and Jackson Wolny.

JHR Developments are former champions and it is that pedigree that they hope will spur their driver line-up towards the sharp end of the grid. British trio Lewis Wherrell, Timo Jüngling and Cameron Nelson team up with returning Haarni Sadiq.

Last but by no means list on the British F4 entry list is Virtuosi Racing. Joseph Smith turned plenty of heads during his brief foray last year while Jarrett Clark and George Proudford-Nalder will both cut their teeth in the championship for the first time.

Eve Lake-Grange, British F4 Championship Manager, said: “We are delighted to present our full field of drivers and teams for the 2026 Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA, as we head into what promises to be a historic campaign for the UK’s leading single-seater series.

“It is a testament to everyone involved in the championship that we have a capacity entry list for this season. We have a potent line-up of race winners from all around the world and the ingredients are there for us to have yet another season to remember.

“Along with unrivalled television coverage and several career-starting prizes, British F4 has never been in a stronger place than it is right now. We’re set for a fantastic year and we hope everyone enjoys what is to come.”

British F4 expands TV coverage ahead of new season

The Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA will once again offer unprecedented coverage this year, with fans across the globe being able to watch each and every round of the UK’s premier single-seater series, as British F4 expands its coverage for 2026.

As the season fast approaches, the championship – which this year boasts a capacity entry list – is set to bring edge-of-the-seat entertainment, for which it has become famed, into the living rooms and mobile devices of fans across the globe.

Eight of the series’ ten rounds will see British F4 feature on the British Touring Car Championship bill and those watching in the United Kingdom will be able to tune into ITV4 on free-to-air television and ITVX online to watch the Sunday action unfold. Those outside of the UK will be able to follow the highly competitive series through the British F4 YouTube channel for those races.

In an expanded package of coverage, Race 1 on the Saturday of each of these race weekends will now be streamed globally via the British F4 YouTube channel. Regular commentators, Richard John Neill and Phil Glew, will once again provide the accompanying audio commentary and expert analysis to the pulsating on-track action across the weekend.

Away from the BTCC meetings, British F4 will be the headline act at two current Formula 1 venues with British F4 the top billing at the International Trophy meeting at Silverstone’s GP track configuration in May, and the Summer Trophy at Zandvoort in July – with both events being streamed live in both UK and abroad via the championship YouTube channel.

Eve Lake-Grange, British F4 Championship Manager, said: “We’re delighted to announce that every round of Wera Tools British F4 will be available to watch around the world this coming season.

“As the first step on the road to Formula 1, we understand the importance of putting our drivers on the biggest platform possible and confirmation of our broadcast schedule for 2026 does just that.

“We’ve seen our fan base grow not only in the UK but across the globe over the past few seasons and we expect that to continue this year, especially given the calibre of the international grid that has been assembled for 2026. It promises to be a fantastic season of close racing.”

British F4 extends Wera Tools title partnership ahead of new season

The F4 British Championship certified by FIA and Motorsport UK have announced the extension of its partnership with with Wera Tools, which will see the global tool manufacturer continue as the series’ title sponsor for the 2026 season.

Continuing to be titled the ‘Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA’ for a second successive campaign, 2026 will mark the fifth year that the international hand tool company and the UK’s premier single-seater category have been in association with each other.

Ian Walford, Managing Director of Wera Tools UK, said: “British F4 is the pinnacle single-seater series in the UK. The championship is the best proving ground for young talent on these shores, not just behind the wheel, but in the garages also.

“Wera is a brand always looking to strive towards innovation and clever ways of working, and there are clear parallels with the hard work and dedication put in by the mechanics, engineers and drivers fighting it out for the top-step of the podium. Last year was an exemptional year for Wera Tools and the championship and we can’t wait to see what the 2026 season brings!”

Eve Lake-Grange, British F4 Championship Manager, added: “We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Wera Tools and look forward to strengthening what is an already successful collaboration over the course of the coming season.

“Wera Tools has fully embraced this partnership from the very beginning and the brilliant news is that it’s showing no signs of slowing down. British F4 prides itself on being the UK’s premier single-seater series and being aligned with a brand like Wera Tools reinforces that.

“We have, and will continue, to work closely with the team at Wera Tools to ensure we are delivering the absolute maximum to our teams, drivers and also the spectators, who are such an important part of our sport.”

The 2026 Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA season begins at Donington Park on the 18-19 April.

New for 2026! BARC: Beyond the Chequered Flag

There are so many fascinating stories up and down the British Automobile Racing Club paddock — so many that we just don’t get to hear about or celebrate. Personal milestones rather than race wins; personal ambition and enjoyment perhaps over a title campaign.

New for 2026 will be the Beyond the Chequered Flag series, which will follow five drivers from different BARC disciplines — from single-seaters and sports cars to saloon cars and hillclimbing.

Throughout the season, the BARC team will check in with our five drivers, sharing their pre-season news, build-up preparations and race-weekend journeys across our social media channels, website, BARC LIVE streams, newsletters and, of course, our magazine Apex.

Let’s introduce our drivers… Ladies first…

Daniella Sutton — British F4

Heading into single-seaters for the first time is 17-year-old Daniella Sutton, who will make the big jump from Fiestas into the Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA. Britain’s premier single-seater series will see a full-capacity grid in 2026, and Daniella will be driving one of the Chris Dittmann Racing machines.

The F4 rookie already has many accolades, including the Total Karting Zero UK North Championship title, the BRSCC Junior Scholarship Championship in 2024, as well as the British Women’s Racing Drivers Club Gold Star and BRDC Rising Star honours.

Despite living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Daniella’s influence extends far beyond the racetrack. As a proud representative of the Juvenile Arthritis Research charity, she uses her platform to inspire others to overcome adversity, demonstrating that determination and resilience can help conquer even the toughest challenges when the season starts in April.

 


Credit: SnappyRacers.com

 

Sam Parker — Caterham

Sam Parker is a well-known face in the BARC paddocks, having been involved in the Caterham pathway for a number of years as well as on screen — presenting the live coverage for the past two seasons.

Sam started her lightweight sportscar journey, like many others, in the Caterham Academy class before stepping up into the Roadsport series in 2025. Her pace developed with each round, and at the season finale at Silverstone last October she took her first ever podium after an intense front-of-the-field scrap.

For 2026, Parker will take two steps forward as she prepares to harness the 310R version of the British machine — putting everything she has learned over the past two seasons into practice for the more powerful iteration in April.

 

 

Project 29:7 Racing — Britcar Endurance Championship

In the exciting Britcar Endurance Championship, BARC will be keeping tabs on one of the young, upcoming teams on the grid — Project 29:7 Racing. Led by Alex Miller and Paul O’Neill, the Northamptonshire-based outfit is set to field a two-driver line-up in its Ginetta G56 GTA. Balancing driver feedback, the stresses of first-time competition and running a race team will hopefully be offset by some season highlights and maybe even some class silverware. You never know!

The new team will field Carl Garnett and Alex Miller as their driver pairing in the eagerly anticipated multi-car Britcar series, which gets underway at Donington on 21 March.

 

 

Richard Andrews and Cathy James — British Hillclimb Championship

Perhaps the biggest championship in terms of driver registrations is the British Hillclimb Championship. The series travels the length and breadth of the British Isles and sees run-offs won or lost by just hundredths of a second. From standard road cars to single-seater hillclimb thoroughbreds, there is a class for almost everything.

This year we will be following Richard Andrews and partner Cathy James who will be using a Porsche Cayman GT4 RS to tackle most of the mainland hills. A record holder at BARC’s very own Harewood, Richard will be looking to lower his personal bests while also putting the spotlight on this point-to-point motorsport discipline.

 

 

Ralphie-Joe Branscombe – Junior Saloon Car Championship

Our final driver brings great excitement… embarking on his first steps into car racing – Ralphie-Joe Branscombe.
Announced moments before APEX went to print – former British Kart Champion in the Honda Cadet class – Ralphie-Joe Branscombe will be the final driver the BARC follow in 2026.

The Junior Saloon Car Championship Scholarship selection process took place at Pembrey at the end of February, with the day consisting of competitors taking part in everything from driving assessments and media interviews to pit-stop challenges and fitness tests; all while an esteemed judging panel whittled down the contenders. As the competition entered its final stages, Branscombe established himself as one of the leading lights and was subsequently declared the winner of a fully-funded season with Orex Competition in the competitive hatchback category for young drivers.

Follow their journey’s this season across our social media platforms, on barc.net and in APEX magazine. Good luck to everyone!

Mercedes-AMG F1 Team reaffirm commitment to British F4

The Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA will continue its growing relationship with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team this season by providing a prize simulator experience for the series’ 2026 champion.

Underlining its status as being the first rung on the ladder to Formula 1, the UK’s premier single-seater category has strengthened its ties with one of the biggest motorsport organisations in the world for a fourth successive season.

Following the conclusion of the 2026 campaign, British F4’s overall title winner will spend a half-day at the home of the eight-time Formula 1 World Constructors’ Champions at their state-of-the-art campus in Brackley.

There, the winner will undertake a full session in the Mercedes-AMG F1 simulator, where they will follow a similar programme to that of the team’s drivers, George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Working closely with the team’s engineers, the winner will methodically work through a bespoke simulator programme as well as coaching and feedback throughout the session. They will then complete the day with a post-session debrief.

Bradley Lord, Team Representative, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, said: “We’re delighted to once again be offering a simulator experience for the British F4 champion. Few get the chance to run in our simulator in Brackley, so it’s an exciting prize. Hopefully it will serve as a valuable learning opportunity for the next steps in their career and we’re looking forward to seeing which young driver will claim the prize this year.”

Eve Lake-Grange, British F4 Championship Manager, said: “On behalf of the Championship I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team for once again offering up this incredible prize to our champion.

“British F4 is proud to provide that first step on the road to Formula 1 and experiences like this are vital in enabling our drivers to continue their development and prepare them for the future steps in their racing career.

“We’ve seen how beneficial this prize was with previous champions such as Louis Sharp and Deagen Fairclough and I’ve no doubt it will be the same for whoever triumphs in 2026. To have an association with one of Formula 1’s most successful teams is nothing short of a privilege.”

The 2026 Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA season begins at Donington Park on 18-19 April.

British F4 Champion to receive Atlassian Williams F1 Team prize

The Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA has confirmed that its 2026 Drivers’ Champion will be given the unique opportunity to work alongside the Atlassian Williams F1 Team for a day.

Attending Williams’ state-of-the-art premises at Grove, the winner will embark on a four-hour session on the simulator that is used by Formula 1 drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz. Alongside them will also be a Williams Academy engineer to guide them through their driving programme.

In addition, British F4’s 2026 title winner will also participate in a two-hour training session with a Williams Academy coach in the teams’ dedicated gym; before then rounding off the day with a bespoke tour of the Williams Formula 1 factory and its world-famous museum.

Sven Smeets, Atlassian Williams F1 Team, Sporting Director, said: “Williams has a proud tradition of supporting young talent, with our Driver Academy playing a central role in our team. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to share our experience and facilities with another up-and-coming driver making the next step in their motorsport career.

“We look forward to welcoming the 2026 British F4 Champion to Grove and wish all competitors the best of luck in the upcoming season.”

Eve Lake-Grange, British F4 Championship Manager, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our 2026 champion to gain unrivalled experience from a leading Formula 1 team as they take their next steps on the single-seater pathway.

“The Atlassian Williams F1 Team is steeped in heritage and for them to offer up this prize speaks volumes of their commitment to bringing through the next wave of talented drivers. That is demonstrated already by our former champion, Luke Browning, being a part of their operation.

“To undertake a session on the simulator and in the gym, will be pivotal in aiding our eventual champion. Our thanks go out to Williams for providing this incredible experience and continuing this strong relationship with British F4.”

The 2026 Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA season begins at Donington Park on 18-19 April.

Luke Browning named Atlassian Williams F1 Team Reserve Driver

Former British F4 Championship title winner and Junior Saloon Car Championship competitor Luke Browning has been announced as the official 2026 Formula 1 Reserve Driver for the Atlassian Williams F1 Team.

The 23-year-old will play a pivotal role in helping the team with its bid to return to the front of the grid as Formula 1 enters an all-new era of regulations.

In addition to being on weekend stand-by duties, Browning will also continue to help develop the car over the course of the year through data analysis and simulator work.

Browning’s fledgling car racing career began with the British Automobile Racing Club back in 2016, when he stepped up to the ultra-competitive Junior Saloon Car Championship. In his rookie campaign, the British racer claimed a maiden victory before then being voted the Henry Surtees Teen Racer of the Year for 2016.

Further success would follow for Browning in the Ginetta Junior Championship before he made the switch to single-seaters in 2019. A stellar maiden campaign in the British F4 Championship certified by FIA was quickly followed up by title success a year later as he came out on top of a tense showdown at Brands Hatch.

From that point on, the Kingsley-born ace hasn’t looked back since; winning the coveted BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award as well as competing in FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3. He has also made a number of practice session appearances in Formula 1.

“I’m incredibly excited to be stepping up as Reserve Driver with Atlassian Williams F1 Team this year,” said Browning on his graduation to Reserve Driver having been a long-standing member of the Williams Academy.

“The Academy has been instrumental in my growth, supporting me through both Formula 3 and Formula 2 while giving me the chance to get up to speed with modern F1 machinery through testing and FP1 sessions. I look forward to working alongside Alex and Carlos to drive the team forward in this new era for Formula 1.

“I’m also happy to confirm that 2026 will be my rookie season in Super Formula. This will be a completely new challenge, and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in!

“As my next step up towards a full-time Formula 1 seat, this gives me another chance to show how I’ve developed on track and continue to build my skills in a new environment and culture.”