Fionn McLaughlin: From after-school games to Formula 1 weekends

When Fionn McLaughlin finished school, he would run straight to his bedroom and start driving in Formula 1 matches.

Now, two years later, he is preparing to race Grand Prix weekends for real in Formula 3, which supports Formula 1 for 10 events.

It’s been a steep rise for the 18-year-old, who raced karts until he was picked up by Red Bull Racing’s junior program in August 2024 and is now racing alongside some of the biggest names in the sport.

Last year, in his first season in motor racing, he dominated the British Formula 4 Championship and will now make the step towards Formula 3.

“It’s crazy how life can change,” McLaughlin told BBC Sport NI.

“I played a lot after school, and that’s all I really did to know all the pieces by heart.

“Obviously I’m not in a Formula 3 car, but I know them. So, that’s the good thing about playing when you’re younger, it helps.”

In the space of 18 months, McLaughlin’s life has changed as he prepares to begin the biggest season of his short career.

In his words, “Just never give up.”

“It’s unbelievable the way things change so quickly. When I was into karting, I was driving my car, and I never thought I’d be riding in cars.

“Obviously that was the goal, but now being in Formula 3 at this pace it’s like ‘wow, things can go really fast’,” he added.

“You just have to enjoy every moment, take it all in, and work as hard as you can. I feel like life moves fast, so make the most of it.”