A future McLaren driver? Brown praises academy star after victory in Macau
F1 News
Zak Brown is full of praise for McLaren's young academy star, Ugo Ugochukwu, after his dominant victory at the illustrious Macau Grand Prix this weekend. The American triumphed at the iconic circuit in Formula Regional machinery against top talents, including Formula 3 drivers who stepped down to compete in the race. McLaren CEO Brown praised the 17-year-old afterwards, highlighting previous legends who'd won, like Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.
How Ugochukwu triumphed
The American started the race in pole position after outqualifying Red Bull junior Oliver Goethe. The Dane has made the switch to F2 for the final rounds of the 2024 season. Despite his pedigree, he was unable to pass the American in what was a safety car and red flag-affected race, like always at the Guia circuit. On lap one, a lengthy red flag was caused after a turn-one pile-up. During green flag running, Goethe was kept at arm's length by the polesitter. Behind the pair, Mexican F3 driver Noel Leon claimed third place in an exciting race which finished under a safety car.
Brown praises the youngster
Zak Brown took to X to praise his academy driver: "Congrats to McLaren development driver @UgoUgochukwu2 for leading every lap to win the 2024 #MacauGP. Excellent skill and determination to navigate a tricky race. We're proud! Ugo picks up the trophy previously won by legends like Senna and Schumacher and is the first American to win it in over 40 years! Mega!"
Congrats to McLaren development driver @UgoUgochukwu2 for leading every lap to win the 2024 #MacauGP. Excellent skill and determination to navigate a tricky race. We're proud!
— Zak Brown (@ZBrownCEO) November 17, 2024
Ugo picks up the trophy previously won by legends like Senna and Schumacher and is the first American… pic.twitter.com/mOtmZ7AXLy
The youngster will step up to F3 next year with Prema in a move which will help the young driver develop. It wasn't an easy campaign in the Formula Regional European Championship for the R-ace GP driver, as he finished in 11th. Despite this, his control over a competitive field earned him the victory at the famous Macau Grand Prix.
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