Ex-McLaren driver beats Audi F1 junior to championship title

Former McLaren F1 junior driver Ugo Ugochukwu has claimed title victory at the Formula Regional Oceania Championship.

The American driver beat newly announced Audi junior Freddie Slater to the title at the final round at Highlands Motorsport Park.

The four-round championship got underway in early January and also saw the single-seater debut of WRC champion Kalle Rovapera, who is preparing for a campaign in Super Formula this year.

Ugochukwu won four races across the campaign and claimed an additional two podiums en route to the title.

The 21-year-old was long part of the McLaren junior programme having signed a long-term deal several years ago, but departed the scheme last November.

Nevertheless, his 2026 racing season got off to the best possible start as he claimed the championship title, joining fellow title-winners such as Lando Norris, Lance Stroll, Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad.

“It's an amazing feeling, to cross the line,” he said. “The race felt way longer than usual, but just happy to get it done, get it over with.

“It's been a really good campaign, a really good season. I can't thank the whole team enough.

“They did a mega job all year, I'm happier for them than me. Just a big thanks to them for putting their trust in me this season.”

Slater ended the campaign 15 points down on Ugochukwu, just one week after the Briton was announced as Audi's first junior F1 driver.

Ugochukwu and Slater will both race in the Formula 3 championship this year for Campos and Trident, respectively.