McLaren junior driver signs with Prema for F3 in 2025

Who is Ugo Ugochukwu? 

Ugo Ugochukwu is a 17-year-old American racing driver who is part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme. After winning multiple trophies throughout his karting career, Ugochukwu graduated to single-seater racing in 2022 going on to finish third in British F4. He then had a successful 2023 with PREMA, winning the Euro 4 Championship while also finishing second in Italian F4 and third in the Formula 4 UAE Championships. The American once again competed with Prema in the Formula Regional European Championship this year, where he finished on the podium and achieved numerous points finishes. 

On joining Prema for the 2025 season, Ugochukwu said “I’m really happy to announce that I will be racing with PREMA in the 2025 FIA Formula 3 Championship. Working with all the people here is special, the chemistry is excellent and it makes the work really enjoyable on and off the track. We have had two positive seasons together and I’m looking forward to building on that and I’m sure we will have a good year.”

PREMA Racing Team Principal Rene Rosin added: “We enjoyed working with Ugo in the last two years from Formula 4 to Formula Regional, and we think he has great potential. We are convinced that he will be a great fit for FIA Formula 3 next year in terms of approach and driving style. We will soon start preparations and we look forward to helping him make a smooth and successful transition to the new series.”

The 17-year-old previously took part in all three of the 2023 post-season tests with Rodin Motorsport. The first 2024 post-season test is being hosted in Jerez on October 8/9, with Barcelona hosting the second on October 15/16.