Louis Sharp steps up to FIA F3 Championship in 2025

Record breaking teenage talent Louis Sharp will take another major step towards Formula 1 when he graduates to the FIA Formula 3 grid with Rodin Motorsport in 2025.

The 17-year-old British-born Kiwi made history last weekend when becoming the first rising star to win back-to-back British F4 and GB3 Championship titles, an outstanding feat cementing his position as one of the sport’s hottest properties.

As the next step up on his career ladder, the FIA Formula 3 series runs alongside ten of next year’s Grands Prix offering Louis the chance to further impress in front of an influential Formula 1 audience.

The 10-round series kicks off in Australia in March and concludes at Monza, Italy in early September; other circuits on the calendar include Bahrain, Monaco, Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps. Each venue hosts two races – a Sprint on Saturday and the longer Feature on Sunday.

Providing a level playing field for the top talents to shine, all 30 young drivers will be equipped with identical single-seater racers. A new car is being introduced for next season in line with the latest F2 and F1 safety standards and systems thus preparing drivers for the future. Providing excellent levels of performance and a top speed in excess of 180mph, power comes from a normally-aspirated V6 engine developing 380bhp – 130bhp more than the car in which Sharp took the 2024 GB3 title.

“I’m obviously excited to be making the next step up to FIA Formula 3 – even more so as I’m back with Rodin Motorsport which has been such an important factor in all my successes to date,” said Sharp. “Though I’m still coming to terms with what I’ve achieved winning back-to-back titles, I’m already starting to concentrate on what’s ahead.

“I’m really looking forward to be racing alongside Grands Prix in 2025 and will do everything I can to maintain my current momentum. I’m now looking forward to starting my F3 preparations later this month in Spain and confident both the team and I will be ready when the lights go out in Australia.”

Helping Sharp to progress, he will be sticking with the same familiar team with which he has enjoyed all his many successes to date.

“It is great to have Louis join our Formula 3 effort for 2025, especially off the back of a dominant performance in GB3,” confirmed Rodin Motorsport’s FIA Formula 3 Team Manager Sam Waple. “Having the new chassis will provide a level playing field for the rookies and Louis has shown throughout his British F4 and GB3 campaigns how quickly he adapts to new cars and tracks. We are really looking forward to working with Louis once again.”

Furthering the relationship, Sharp’s progress through the ranks continues to be fuelled by Rodin Cars and company founder David Dicker.

“I am pleased to be continuing our journey with Louis in the Formula 3 Championship,” said Dicker. “Louis has been such an exciting young talent to watch develop over the years for us at Rodin Cars and Rodin Motorsport and I have no doubt that he’s going to be able to make the step up to this new championship the same way he has in previous years – I’m looking forward to seeing him get back out on track.”

In preparation for 2025, Sharp will now take part in two post-season official FIA F3 tests in Jerez and Barcelona – the latter his prize for winning the GB3 title. Further tests are planned in Europe before a return to family in New Zealand for Christmas.

Louis is one of four rising stars nominated for this year’s prestigious Silverstone Autosport BRDC Award. The annual accolade aims to find and assist the best junior British racing driver – Louis qualifies as he was born in the UK.

The significant prize for this year’s winner includes £200,000 plus a money-can’t-buy F1 test with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team. The winner will be announced at the Autosport Awards in January.