F3: Ricardo Escotto to replace Brad Benavides at AIX Racing for Barcelona round

Written by Trisha Lynnette Nathan

Credit: Indy NXT

AIX Racing have signed Ricardo Escotto to replace Brad Benavides for the upcoming Formula 3 round in Barcelona. The 21-year-old is set to make his debut with the team at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Unfortunately, Benavides will not take part in the third round of series, after suffering three broken vertebrae in the opening lap crash at Monaco, following contact with Christian Ho's Rodin Motorsport car. The American driver has the full support of the team as he continues his recovery.

Escotto is no stranger to the European single-seater scene, participating in the Formula 4 UAE Championship, the F4 Spanish Championship and the Italian Formula 4 Championship back in 2022.

The Mexican driver also conducted tests with PREMA, Campos Racing and Van Amersfoort Racing at the end of the Indy NXT season, underlining the interest European teams had in his development. He had mentioned earlier about the opportunities to move up to F3 but felt that staying in IndyCar was the best decision at the time.

AIX Racing team manager Kenny Kirwan was enthusiastic about what Escotto brings to the programme. Kirwan said: "We are delighted to welcome Ricardo Escotto to the team for the upcoming FIA Formula 3 round in Barcelona. Ricardo has shown strong pace and determination throughout his junior single-seater career, and we believe he has the talent and work ethic to integrate quickly with our programme.

"Our focus will be on giving Ricardo the support he needs to maximise the weekend, build experience with the car, and contribute positively to the team's objectives. We are excited to see what we can achieve together and wish him every success for his debut with us in Barcelona."

Escotto himself was equally eager ahead of his first outing with the team. Escotto said: "I am super excited to drive for AIX Racing in the Barcelona Grand Prix. I am grateful for the team for giving me this opportunity and can't wait to get on track!"

This year, Escotto has been competing in the 2026 Indy NXT season with Juncos Hollinger Racing. This opportunity sees Escotto make a transatlantic switch mid-season, swapping the oval and road courses of Indy NXT for the streets and circuits of the European Formula 3 calendar.

The F3 grid heads to Barcelona for round three of the 2026 season from 12th June to 14th June, with free practice getting underway on Friday at 09:55 CEST.