McLaren's super talent, brimming with ambition: "The goal is to reach the top"

Indeed, Ugochukwu is one of the junior talents to look out for, and one that McLaren holds in high regard. The 17 year-old is relaxed, respectful and polite, but at the same time stern, giving out a sense of authority that's well beyond his years. 

GPblog asks Ugochukwu what it feels to be a part of the McLaren family, successful in F1 once again, something the American is naturally, very much aware of. "It's great to be a part of McLaren. They have a really big history in the sport, one of the really big teams, and of course, it's great to see them get back to the top in F1 now as well."

When answering the second part of the question from GPblog regarding a potential dream of one day racing for the iconic F1 team, he replies almost with the knowledge that in motorsport one does not achieve their dreams by 'day dreaming', but with dedication instead. "To be honest, I just try to take as much as I can, learn as much as I can from the factory when I'm there and just take everything on board to help me progress."

Ugochukwu only has one goal

Of course, being the first American in over 40 years to win the Macau Grand Prix, and having gardnered so much success, and quickly too, showing great adaptability in all the racing series, he can't but aim for the highest possible goal. "I think everyone has the same goal, to reach the top." For the 17 year-old it's been a rapid ascend through the ranks, which he describes as a "good journey."

Where will it lead? It's something the youngster doesn't give much thought, the focus is on the present. "I'm going to try to take it year by year. Just focus on the F3 season this year and then we'll see where that takes us next year."

And the pressure of being a McLaren junior and a Prema driver who's expected to bring home the big results? Ugochukwu shrugs it off. "It's like every other year, to be honest. Of course, you have to perform. It's my first year in F3, so a couple things to learn on my side. Obviously, a couple new tracks as well to get on top of, but, I'm pretty confident I can adapt and learn everything as quickly as possible, and I'm pretty confident we'll have a good year," concludes the American.