Feeder Series Weekly Recap: McLaren mix-up their junior lineup, driver signings and more
- DIVEBOMB Motorsport
- 20 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Written by Jasmin Low
Welcome to Feeder Series Weekly Recap, a series bringing you all the news from the world of junior racing series. With driver signings in both F3 and F2, as well as changes to McLaren’s junior lineup, DIVEBOMB takes you through all the latest from the world of Feeder Series in the last week.
Nikola Tsolov set to make Formula 2 debut with Campos at Qatar
Following a successful Formula 3 campaign which saw him finish second in the championship, Nikola Tsolov will partake in the final two rounds of the Formula 2 championship with Campos Racing. The decision comes after Pepe Martí, who had piloted the #3 car over the course of the season, confirmed his departure from the championship, making the jump to Formula E with Cupra Kiro.
The 18-year-old is no stranger to success with the Spanish team, taking two race victories and four additional podiums over the course of the 2025 F3 season. Subsequently, ‘The Bulgarian Lion’ holds the record for the most race wins in the championship, with a total of five victories.
Tsolov will debut alongside F2 rookie and fellow Red Bull Junior Team member Arvid Lindblad, returning to the Lusail International Circuit and Yas Marina Circuit for the first time since competing in the Formula Regional Middle Eastern Championship in 2023. Making an early step-up to the premier Feeder Series category will provide Tsolov with a valuable opportunity to gain experience in F2 machinery ahead of his full-time debut in 2026.
Following the announcement, Tsolov commented on his enthusiasm and readiness to hit the track:
“Pleasant surprise to be doing the last 2 rounds in F2 already this year! Grateful to Campos and Red Bull for the opportunity and belief in me!” I'm working extremely hard and I feel ready for the step, looking forward to learning as much as possible and gaining experience for 2026!"
Luke Browning to participate in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Free Practice 1 and Young Driver Test with Williams
F2 title contender Luke Browning will jump into Alexander Albon’s FW47 for Free Practice 1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Briton has undertaken two FP1 sessions with Williams over the course of the 2025 season, having replaced Carlos Sainz at the Bahrain and Mexico City Grands Prix.
The 23-year-old will also partake in the post-season Young Driver Test, fulfilling the role for the second time since his induction into Williams’ driver academy in 2023.
The Formula 2 championship finale will also take place in Abu Dhabi, supporting F1 as it does for 14 of the 24 rounds on the F1 calendar. Browning is a key contender in the 2025 title fight, sitting third in the standings with two rounds remaining. His team, Hitech TGR, also sit second in the Teams’ Standings.
Browning expressed his excitement toward driving both F1 and F2 machinery on the same weekend:
"It’s going to be an unforgettable weekend in Abu Dhabi fighting for the Formula 2 title while getting back behind the wheel of the FW47, and it’s a challenge I’m going to relish.”
Taito Kato steps up to Formula 3 with ART Grand Prix
ART Grand Prix have announced that Taito Kato will make his F3 debut with the team in 2026, completing an all-rookie lineup for the upcoming season.
The Japanese driver impressed in his single-seater debut, winning the 2024 French F4 Championship after scoring five victories and six additional podiums.
Earlier this year, the 17-year-old competed in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine with the French-based team, achieving two podiums and finishing seventh in the Drivers’ Standings. Kato also competed in the Formula Regional Middle Eastern Championship, finishing 12th.
Kato’s prior exploits will have provided valuable experience at some of the tracks on the 2026 F3 calendar, with the playing field also levelled for rookie and experienced drivers alike for the final round in Madrid, which will make its debut in September.
“Taito integrated perfectly into the team this season in FRECA. He showed strong adaptability, great discipline, and a lot of potential that is just waiting to be fully expressed at the highest level. Moving up to FIA F3 is the natural next step in our collaboration.” Commented Team Principal Sébastien Philippe.
The Frenchman also commended Taito for the racing prowess he has exhibited throughout his single-seater career so far:
“He’s still young, but he has already demonstrated real maturity in his driving and a clear desire to improve with every session. We’re excited to continue this journey together in 2026."
McLaren reshuffle their driver development program, signing Matteo De Palo
It has been announced that McLaren will part ways with Ugo Ugochukwu, Brando Badoer and Martinius Stenshorne following their respective Formula 3 campaigns. The decision comes shortly after young-gun Alex Dunne decided to part ways with the papaya-liveried team.
Ugochukwu was the longest-serving McLaren junior of those to be ousted, having signed a long-term deal with the team in 2021. Badoer was only added to the British team’s development squad earlier this year, whilst Stenshorne signed with the team in 2024.
The latter will graduate to Formula 2 in 2026, joining Rodin Motorsport after finishing fifth in the 2025 F3 championship.
Both Badoer and Ugochukwu will remain in F3 for another season, both parting ways with PREMA Racing. Ugochukwu is bound for Teams’ Champions Campos Racing, whilst Badoer will join Rodin Motorsport.
McLaren have also confirmed that they will support Matteo De Palo who will step up to F3 with Trident, after having finished his FRECA campaign as runner-up in 2025.
The Italian represented McLaren on-track for the first time at the 2025 Macau Grand Prix, driving for R-ACE GP.
Speaking on the opportunity, the 18-year-old mentioned his enthusiasm toward taking his career to the next level with McLaren:
“Joining the McLaren Driver Development Programme is a great honour. The team have a fantastic track record for developing talent, so I am excited to grow across all elements of being a racing driver.”
