County Derry rising motorsport star Fionn McLaughlin set to begin new campaign

County Derry's Fionn McLaughlin will begin the 2026 FIA Formula 3 campaign in Melbourne alongside fellow Irish driver Alex Dunne in Formula 2.

Irish motorsport will mark a rare and significant moment in March as two Irish drivers compete on the opening weekend of the international single-seater season at Albert Park, Melbourne, host of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.

Fionn Mc Laughlin will begin his 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship campaign from March 6–8, racing as part of the official support programme to Formula 1. On the same weekend, fellow Irish driver Alex Dunne will compete in FIA Formula 2, the final step on the ladder to Formula 1.

It is highly unusual for Ireland, a nation without a Formula 1 Grand Prix and with limited domestic single-seater infrastructure, to have simultaneous representation at both F2 and F3 level. With only 22 seats available globally in Formula 2 and just 30 seats in FIA Formula 3, Irish presence across both categories underscores a notable resurgence of Irish talent within the international motorsport pipeline.

For Fionn McLoughlin, the Melbourne weekend marks another milestone in a rapid rise through the ranks.

The young Irish driver enjoyed a breakthrough season, claiming the prestigious Sexton Trophy Young racing Driver of the year and securing the FIA British Formula 4 Championship title in his rookie year, a rare achievement at this level of competition. His performances have cemented his reputation as one of Ireland’s most promising emerging racing prospects.

Now holding one of only 30 FIA Formula 3 seats available worldwide, Fionn enters the 2026 season with momentum and growing international recognition. Competing on the same weekend and circuit as Formula 1 provides a global stage and a clear indication of the pathway he is pursuing.

“To start the season in Melbourne, on the same weekend as Formula 1, is incredibly exciting,” said Fionn. “It’s a huge opportunity and one I’m ready to take on. The goal is to learn and develop, as this is a big step — especially with only one year of experience in a car. We’re approaching this as a two-year program in F3. There are many tracks I’ve never raced at before, so it will definitely be a challenge.

"The most important thing is building experience and continuing to improve every weekend. I understand that it will take time to consistently fight at the front and win races, but that’s the long-term objective — to be competing for wins and championships."

Fionn’s father and manager Martin Mc Laughlin said: “It’s a proud moment for Irish motorsport to see representation at both F2 and F3 level on the opening weekend of the season, For Fionn, this is the next step in a long-term plan. He has earned his seat through performance, and now the focus is on consistency and development.”

FIA Formula 3 is widely recognised as one of the key development series feeding into Formula 2 and ultimately Formula 1, with many current F1 drivers having progressed through the championship.

For Irish motorsport supporters, Melbourne represents more than just a season opener, it signals renewed presence on the sport’s global stage.

The 2026 FIA Formula 3 season begins at Albert Park, Melbourne, from March 6–8.