Is Fionn McLaughlin the next rising star?

Edited by Rohan Brown

Fionn Mclaughlin after the race in Snetterton 2025- British F4 | Credits: Dutch Photo Agency/ Red Bull Content Pool

Fionn McLaughlin is an emerging talented Irish driver, who has recently moved up the motorsport career ladder. Stepping up to Formula 3 with Hitech, whilst continuing his association with the Red Bull junior academy.

Mclaughlin competed in British Formula 4 racing for Hitech, in the 2025 season. He dominated his debut season with a commanding lead, five wins and 15 podiums across the 30-race season.

His hardworking, risk-taking and dominating mentality secured him not only the rookie cup but the drivers world championship with two rounds of the series remaining. Showcasing excellent consistency throughout the entire season despite having some low moments. 

“I am speechless and so proud to now be able to call myself British F4 champion,

Since I was seven, achieving something like this has been what I have been aiming for and it has been a long-time coming. It is an incredible feeling.” Mclaughlin told Irish News.

Fionn Mclaughlin holding the British F4 trophy after winning the championship at Brands Hatch | Credits: Red Bull Content Pool

His career started in 2012 and he is notably known for his rapid success through the karting and junior ranks. Starting at the age of five, by the time he reached seven-years-old he was already racing and winning championships across Ireland.  

In 2024, his remarkable talent was recognised by Red Bull following a shootout in the F4 and GP3 cars between 11 invited drivers which took place in Jerez, Spain. From this Mclaughlin was successfully chosen to become a member of the Red Bull Junior Team. 

The Red Bull  team provided him with the support, resources and visibility, which led to incredible opportunities competing in both the Formula Winter Series, the F4 British championship and now a step up to racing in F3.

He is viewed as one of the most promising talents to come into the motorsport industry. This is because the Irish driver just recently made his competitive car racing debut, with Hitech in the Formula Winter Series in January 2025. 

This swift jump from karting to car racing didn't slow down his progression as he immediately adapted his racing style to get the best performance out of the car. He is viewed to have a strong beacon of natural talent, which is something that can be difficult to find within this sport.

          Fionn Mclaughlin driving during the testing sessions at the Jerez circuit for Red Bull | Credits: BBC Sport

“I came here for the Red Bull shootout with nothing to my name, and now I’m about to drive in Formula 3,” Mclaughlin said.

This promotion was a crucial step in the Irish driver’s racing career, this development series can directly provide links straight to Formula Two which ultimately leads to the end goal, Formula One. 

It is clear that Mclaughlin can positively contribute to this sport, his ambitions and performance provides the viewer with impeccable racing. Showing his strengths in race craft and despite the pressures of being a rookie in a completely new series he delivered. 

Mclaughlin makes his transition into F3, this means he will now be competing globally providing him with both preparation for the higher leagues and international experience. This opportunity gives him the chance to race at a variety of different tracks and experience different racing conditions. Further developing him as a racing driver, testing his ability to perform in challenging environments.

   Fionn Mclaughlin promo pics ahead of the Toyota Formula Regional Oceania in New Zealand | Credits: Fionn Mclaughlin’s Instagram 

Before the F3 season kicks off in March, Mclaughlin raced in the Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy in New Zealand preparing him for his F3 debut.

This four round series started in January, with the first three rounds of the series already completed Mclaughlin has made four top ten appearances. In round three Mclaughlin consistently performed with P9, P7 and P6 heading into the last race weekend with the momentum to end this championship on a high.

The Formula Regional Oceania Trophy can be viewed as a stepping stone into F1, as Red Bull racing drivers Daniil Kvyatt, Yuki Tsunoda and Arvid Lindlblad all competed in this series.

Though the question is will he follow in the footsteps of Formula 1 drivers; Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz Jr and Pierre Gasly. Who have all had incredible achievements within this sport. 

 So will Fionn McLaughlin be the next driver that we need to look out for?