Rising star matches staggering Senna feat

Rising star Louis Sharp has become the first driver to win the British F4 and GB3 championships in back-to-back seasons and has matched a feat previously achieved by Ayrton Senna. 

The British-born Kiwi claimed the title last weekend in the season finale at Brands Hatch, a series previously won by George Russell. 

Sharp drove for Rodin Motorsport and is a star of the future and will now complete a Formula 3 test – his prize for winning the GB3 crown.

As a result of his impressive season, the 17-year-old is one of four nominees for this year's Silverstone Autosport BRDC Award. 

The winner receives several rewards such as £200,000 but, more importantly, a test in an Aston Martin F1 car. 

By winning British F4 and GB3 in consecutive seasons, Sharp matched Senna's feat for winning two British championships in back-to-back campaigns. 

In 1982 and 1983, Senna won the Formula Ford and British F3 titles the direct predecessors of British F4 and GB3. 

After winning the penultimate race of the season last weekend – each round consists of three races – Sharp was actually presented his winning trophy by fellow New Zealander Dick Bennetts, who played a large role in Senna's early career. 

Sharp was elated to claim the title and to become the first driver to win the British F4 and GB3 categories in back-to-back years. 

“I’m super happy,” beamed Sharp. “I’m so grateful to be in this position. 

"To be the first to win back-to-back titles is very special and I have to give a big thank you to David [Dicker] and the whole Rodin Motorsport team. 

"They did a terrific job of getting me up-to-speed in what was my rookie season in GB3 up against some far more experienced rivals at this level – my success is really down to them.”