Ethan Lennon and Joseph Smith took a win apiece in an enthralling days action at Donington Park.

On what was an action-packed Sunday at the Leicestershire venue, the UK’s premier single-seater series brought the curtain down on its first event of the new campaign with Lennon charging to victory in the reverse grid contest, before Joseph Smith inherited a win after post-race judicial of a frenetic feature race contest.

Race two – the partially reversed grid contest – saw Lennon open his account for the season as he delivered a measured drive amongst what were truncated circumstances; with a red flag and two safety car periods limiting running.

The race ultimately boiled down to a five-minute dash to the flag and all eyes were on Lennon at the front of the field as he withstood pressure from the likes of Scott Kin Lindbolm (Hitech), Lewis Wherrell (JHR Developments) and Van Langendonck.

Having sized Lennon up during the final restart, Red Bull Junior Kin Lindblom made multiple attempts to overtake the South African driver however in doing so, it allowed lead rookie entrant Wherrell to muscle his way past with a lap or so to go.

By the time Wherrell had moved into second, Lennon had pulled clear and he cruised to a maiden championship win while Wherrell and Kin Lindblom completed the podium, narrowly ahead of the charging Van Langendonck as he soared from 12th on the grid to finish fourth.

Theo Palmer (Hitech) enjoyed a strong showing to net fifth and the Lotus Fastest Lap Award, whilst Ethan Carney (Fortec Motorsports), Cole Hewetson (Xcel Motorsport), Jarrett Clark (Virtuosi Racing), Ethan Jeff-Hall (Argenti Motorsport) and George Proudford-Nalder (Virtuosi Racing) completed the top ten.

The weekend’s third and final contest saw McLaren Development Driver Van Langendonck starting on pole position. The Belgian teenager maintained his position as the lights went out while further behind, several cars came together as the field jostled for position as they streamed down the Craner Curves.

Following a brief safety car appearance, the race resumed with Van Langendonck at the head of the pack however he couldn’t rest on his laurels as Palmer soon began to loom large in his mirrors.

The pivotal moment came just a few laps from home when Palmer drew alongside Van Langendonck at Redgate. The pair knocked wheels and it resulted in Palmer spinning into the gravel trap and out of race.

Proceedings were once again neutralised and, on the restart, Joseph Smith (Virtuosi Racing) emerged as the driver to watch as he moved up to second and then chased down the leader. He would eventually finish just a couple of tenths off the double overall and rookie winner.

Completing the podium was Mercedes F1 Junior Jeff-Hall, after he too enjoyed a number of standout battles, with Kin Lindblom and F1 Academy star Ella Lloyd (Rodin Motorsport) rounding out the top five.

Lennon and his Rodin Motorsport team-mate Alfie Slater were next up, ahead of Jaber Alsabah (Xcel Motorsport), Hewetson and Adam Al Azhari (Hitech). Despite his non-finish, Palmer snared the Lotus Fastest Lap for a second race on the bounce.

Following post-race judicial, the result from race 3 was amended to Smith (Virtuosi Racing), Jeff-Hall (Argenti Motorsport) and Kin Lindblom (Hitech).

Leaving Donington Park, Van Langendonck heads both the Drivers’ and Rookie Cup standings, whilst Rodin Motorsport have earned the early bragging rights in the Teams’ Cup.

The Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA continues its 2026 campaign in less than three weeks’ time, with Brands Hatch in Kent providing the setting for Rounds 4, 5 & 6 on the 9-10 May.

The Wera Tools F4 British Championship, certified by the FIA, has today (10 April) revealed its official entry list for the 2026 season, with a capacity 30-car line-up confirmed to contend for the UK’s premier single-seater crown.

Launching at Donington Park next weekend, Britain’s Formula 4 category once again boasts a star-studded international field, with no fewer than eight different teams battling for honours and drivers representing a total of 15 countries.

Sticking to its tried-and-tested format of 30 races across ten events, British F4 will continue to feature on the prestigious British Touring Car Championship bill at eight race meetings—offering unrivalled exposure and coverage to all involved.

As the first step on the road to Formula 1, the championship will also take centre stage at two current F1 circuits over the course of the season: the world-famous Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit, where British F4 will headline the International Trophy meeting, before a trip overseas to the Netherlands to tackle Zandvoort in the summer.

The highly anticipated 2026 Wera Tools F4 British Championship, certified by the FIA season commences at Donington Park’s National configuration on 18–19 April.

Contenders, ready! 

Rodin Motorsport grabbed the Teams Cup at the final race of 2025 by the finest of margins and will be ambitious to retain their Teams Cup title. They look set to challenge strongly with McLaren Driver Development Programme member Dries Van Langendonck, who made an instant impact last year, winning on his debut weekend, returning for a full campaign.  Accompanying the Belgian racer at the experienced outfit are multiple Ginetta Junior race winner Alfie Slater and South African karting champion Ethan Lennon.

Each of the previous two seasons has seen the Drivers’ champion emerge from Hitech, and with an all-new quartet of drivers locked in, the Silverstone-based team is again eager to make it three in a row.

Race winner Adam Al-Azhari has made the switch from Rodin in the off-season, while Theo Palmer will look to build on the lessons learned during his debut campaign with Xcel Motorsport last year. Partnering them is the talented Red Bull Junior Team duo of Scott Lindblom and Chiara Bättig. Although new to UK circuits, the pair are expected to be on the pace from the outset.

Chris Dittmann Racing enjoyed a breakout year in 2025, claiming a maiden win, and now look to build on that by retaining Tommy Harfield and Piotr Orzechowski, while recruiting Henry Mercier from Argenti. The team will also field series rookie Daniella Sutton.

Mercedes F1 Junior Ethan Jeff-Hall was also a race winner last season and will undoubtedly be in contention for outright honours as he returns with Argenti Motorsport. Rising single-seater talents Leon Hedfors, Vegard Klemetsen, and Sun Anzhe complete the team’s four-car line-up.

History will be made at Fortec Motorsport this year as Cash Felber and Roman Felber become the first identical twin brothers to compete in British F4. The American duo arrive on British shores looking to continue the success they have enjoyed during their rise through the ranks.

Another American, Ginetta Junior graduate Ethan Carney, joins the Felbers at Richard Dutton’s squad, while completing the Fortec line-up is Kit Belofsky, who charged to the Saudi Arabian F4 Championship title last year.

Xcel Motorsport has been a growing force in the championship since debuting two years ago and returns to challenge once more. South African Cole Hewetson stays on for a second season and is joined by debutants Mate Kobakhidze, Jaber Alsabah, and Jackson Wolny, who will drive the FAT Racing Department-supported car.

Former champions JHR Developments will be aiming to leverage their pedigree to mount a title charge. With British trio Lewis Wherrell, Timo Jüngling, and Cameron Nelson teaming up alongside returning driver Haarni Sadiq.

Last but by no means least on the British F4 entry list is Virtuosi Racing. Joseph Smith turned plenty of heads during his brief foray last year, while promising rookies Jarrett Clark and George Proudford-Nalder will both cut their teeth in the championship for the first time.

Points mean prizes 

This year’s grid will undoubtedly aspire to follow in the footsteps of alumni such as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, with the 2026 champion set to reap the benefits of several career-boosting prizes.

The top seven drivers in the championship will receive FIA Super Licence points—a requirement for competing in Formula 1—with the overall champion earning 12 points.

In addition, this year’s title winner will undertake invaluable coaching days with both the Atlassian Williams Racing team and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team.

Additionally, the Rookie Cup champion will secure FOC entry to the 2027 Wera Tools British F4 championship.

There’s prizes each race weekend with the Lotus Fastest Lap Award of an extra point for the driver with the fastest lap in each race. Pirelli Tyres provide a free set of Pirelli P-Zero tyres for testing to the driver who has the lowest aggregate finishing positions across the three races of each weekend, while Bell Helmets will provide a large trolley kit bag to the driver who secures most overtakes across each weekend.  Wera Tools also provide a teams’ prize of a free kit of premium hand tools each weekend.

Expanded coverage 

Following British F4 couldn’t be easier this year, with the championship expanding its free-to-air coverage across television and online platforms.

ITV4 and ITVX remain the home of coverage for British Touring Car Championship events, while YouTube will host the action from Silverstone in May and Zandvoort in July. All 30 races this season will be shown live, with all Saturday races now broadcast on the British F4 YouTube channel (youtube.com/britishf4).

Eve Lake-Grange, British F4 Championship Manager, said: 

“We are delighted to present our full field of drivers and teams for the 2026 Wera Tools F4 British Championship, certified by the FIA, as we head into what promises to be a historic campaign for the UK’s leading single-seater series.

“It is a testament to everyone involved in the championship that we have a capacity entry list for this season. We have a line-up of race winners from all around the world, and the ingredients are there for yet another season to remember.

“Along with unrivalled television coverage and several career-starting prizes, British F4 has never been in a stronger position than it is right now. We’re set for a fantastic year, and we hope everyone enjoys what is to come.”

2026 Wera Tools F4 British Championship, certified by FIA Entry List  

2026, the new year has been rung in. A New Year and a new air of excitement, and January has kick-started the preparation for the 2026 Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA season. Let’s get you back on track with all the news from the first month of the year. You ready?

British F4: Key January Announcements

January brought several announcements within British F4, Rodin Motorsport inked two deals, while Argenti has secured the services of Ethan Jeff-Hall once again.

• Ethan Jeff-Hall targets success with Argenti Motorsport as he enters his second season with the team, bringing a strong karting pedigree and previous winning form into British F4. The Mercedes-AMG Junior Driver finished fifth in the 2025 standings and will be one driver with the target on his back for the new campaign.

• McLaren Driver Development Programme star junior Dries Van Langendonck returns after an end of season debut in 2025. Working alongside Rodin Motorsport once again, the Papaya colours are back on the grid for 2026, with Dries aiming to continue his progression through junior single-seaters after an eye-catching debut last year.

• Ethan Lennon leaps into British F4 with Rodin Motorsport as teammate to Van Langendonck, joining the grid for a full campaign in 2026 – adding another fresh young talent to the field after an impressive year in Ginetta Juniors.

With February just around the corner, there is a third of the grid still to be announced!

Rising Stars: Career Moves Beyond British F4

2026 has begun with a string of exciting career developments for drivers with British F4 roots:

Freddie Slater Becomes First Audi Development Driver

Former British F4 competitor and 2025 Formula Regional European Champion Freddie Slater has been signed as the first driver in the newly formed Audi F1 Driver Development Programme — marking a significant milestone in his rapid rise up the motorsport ladder. Slater’s move comes ahead of a FIA Formula 3 campaign with Trident and positions him with a major manufacturer backing heading into an important year for the British ace.

Luke Browning Appointed Williams F1 Reserve Driver

2020 British F4 Champion Luke Browning has been confirmed as a Reserve Driver for the Atlassian Williams Formula 1 Team in 2026. He will also compete in Super Formula alongside his reserve duties, representing another big step in his progression toward the top level of motorsport.

Lando Norris Tests McLaren MCL40 with #1 Plate

In Formula 1 testing news, reigning World Champion Lando Norris got behind the wheel of the new McLaren MCL40 in Barcelona, carrying the coveted number 1 for the first time as part of McLaren’s early 2026 shakedown. Norris described the experience as “surreal” — a milestone moment following his title-winning season. Teammate Oscar Piastri also got behind the wheel – the Aussie ace keen to get his season off to a flyer at his home race in March.

Former British F4 Alumni to Ford WEC programme

In endurance racing, former British F4 drivers Sebastian Priaulx and Logan Sargeant have been confirmed as part of Ford’s Hypercar programme for the 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship (including the 24 Hours of Le Mans). Ford recently announced its first driver line-up for its return to top-class WEC competition — with Priaulx and Sargeant joining veteran Mike Rockenfeller behind the wheel of its new Hypercar project. The trio will initially take to the wheel of the Mustang GT3 in 2026 as they integrate themselves into Ford’s blue oval operation ahead of the Hypercar programme next year.

This announcement highlights the ongoing career paths of British F4 alumni at the highest levels of sportscar racing, reinforcing the series’ role in developing global racing talent.

January 2026 has set the tone for an action-packed year across multiple levels of motorsport — from British F4 driver line-ups solidifying, to feeder-series stars stepping into manufacturer programmes and international racing opportunities.

Stay up to date on the British F4 social channels as well as our website of course for the latest news and features!

British teenager Ethan Jeff-Hall has confirmed his return to the Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA for the 2026 season, continuing with Argenti Motorsport as he targets a title tilt following an impressive debut campaign in 2025 which saw him finish fifth in the overall standings.

After completing his first full season in British F4 last year, the Mercedes-AMG Junior Driver chalked up a win and four other podium finishes. This year, Ethan returns to the championship with valuable experience and momentum, having established himself as a consistent and competitive presence on the grid. The 2026 season will see the Argenti ace aiming to convert that foundation into regular podiums and a championship run.

Speaking about the announcement, Ethan Jeff-Hall said:

“I am super excited to be back racing in the British F4 Championship in 2026. Looking to put all of the experience we gathered last year to good use, and I am ready to be back challenging at the front. Argenti and I have been working hard over the winter to ensure we are in the best possible place for this year and I can’t wait for the season to start!”

Michael Meadows, Argenti Motorsport Team Principal, welcomed Jeff-Hall’s return and highlighted his progression during his debut season.

“Ethan made strong progress throughout 2025 and showed the potential we look for in a British F4 driver,” Meadows said. “With a season of experience behind him, we believe he is well placed to take a significant step forward and be a regular contender in 2026.”

The 2026 British Formula 4 Championship, certified by the FIA, will once again provide a highly competitive environment across the UK’s premier circuits, serving as a key stepping stone towards higher levels of single-seater racing.

Rodin Motorsport are pleased to announce Dries Van Langendonck will remain with the team for the upcoming season, with 2026 marking his first full year in the Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA.

The McLaren Driver Development Programme star brings an extensive and successful karting background to the slicks and wings formula, with the teenager boasting seven Championship title victories to his name.

Most recently, the Belgian clinched the WSK Super Master Series – OK title in 2025. Dries’ junior career has seen him establish a strong reputation for speed and consistency, earning recognition as a standout talent and one to watch coming into 2026.

Joining the team for the final three rounds of the 2025 British F4 season, Dries gained valuable experience delivering standout performances that saw him take pole and a subsequent victory on his debut weekend.

On remaining with Rodin’s British F4 team, Dries said:
“I’m very excited to continue my journey with Rodin Motorsport in papaya colours. After three successful rounds at the end of the 2025 season, I’m excited to see what myself and the team can achieve in the upcoming season of British F4.”

Rodin Motorsport’s Sporting Director Benn Huntingford said:
“We’re excited to have Dries with us for the full British F4 season. His performance last year demonstrated his ability and commitment. We look forward to seeing his continued progress with the team in 2026.”

As the calendar gets flipped over to 2026, Rodin Motorsport are the first team in 2026 to conduct their business and announce a new driver for the season ahead, with Ethan Lennon set to make his debut in single seaters, as the second driver for the reigning British F4 Team champions.

Crowned the South African Mini ROK Champion in 2022, Lennon showcased a strong foundation in karting and demonstrated a consistent ability to perform at a high level from a young age, with a P2 finish in the ROK Cup Superfinal – Junior ROK in 2024.

Gaining experience in karting and more recently in Ginetta Juniors in 2025, the soon to be 15 year-old has gained valuable racing experience ahead of his transition to the Wera Tools British Formula 4 Certified by FIA.

Joining Rodin’s British F4 team, Ethan Lennon said:

“I’m looking forward to starting my British F4 journey with Rodin and everyone from the team. Winning the teams’ title in 2025, I’m very confident going into 2026 as Rodin is a top team to learn from and I look forward to progressing with them out on track.”

Rodin Motorsport’s Sporting Director Benn Huntingford said:

“We are very happy to welcome Ethan Lennon to our British F4 team for 2026. He has shown great potential already and we look forward to continuing Ethan’s development in 2026.”

Just a few days remain of 2025 and when looking back over the past 12 months, it’s clear to see that it has been a year to remember and savour for the Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA. 

Cementing its status as one of the most crucial and competitive steps on the road to Formula 1, the UK’s premier single-seater series made significant waves both on and off the track during the course of the season.

Laying the foundations

Prior to a wheel even turning, the championship ushered in a new era during the pre-season period, as it welcomed Wera Tools – one of the world’s leading tool manufacturers, on-board as title sponsor.

Embarking on an exciting multi-year agreement with the global hand and power tool company, British F4 strengthened its brand identity with a bold new look – something that was warmly received by competitors and spectators alike. 

Another thrilling partnership that was forged over the course of the year was with British automotive manufacturer Lotus, as their striking Emira Turbo became the official British F4 Safety Car.

Forging and maintaining partnerships with leading brands was once again a key component for the championship over the course of the year, and revitalised hospitality offerings over race weekends proved to be a smash-hit for those involved with the series. 

Elsewhere, the introduction of the Challenge Cup, as well as increased social media metrics and races on Sunday being broadcast globally further bolstered the appeal of Britain’s Formula 4 category.

History making numbers

Simply put, records tumbled in 2025. An all-time high of 39 drivers – spanning 22 different nationalities – competed over the course of the season and guaranteed the highest-ever average grid numbers. In fact, the peak was a record-equalling 27 cars at one event.

Of those 39 drivers, 14 of them powered their way to the top step of the podium whilst no less than 19 drivers ended the season picking up at least one piece of silverware. Underlining the competitive nature of the series was the fact that all eight teams in the British F4 series claimed at least one win. 

The battle for pole position in qualifying on Saturday’s was fiercely fought over too and it resulted in no less than six different drivers walking away with the bragging rights during championship race weekends. At Silverstone, 25 cars were covered by a staggering half a second.

Underpinning its mantra as the first step on the road to Formula 1, British F4 was also home to seven Formula 1 Juniors – Fionn McLaughlin (Red Bull), Ella Lloyd, Dries Van Langendonck (McLaren), Ethan Jeff-Hall (Mercedes), Nina Gademan (Alpine), Alba Larsen (Ferrari) and Emma Felbermayr (Sauber).

In his debut season in British F4, Hitech driver Fionn McLaughlin sealed the crown at the season finale at Brands Hatch in October and just days later landed a seat in the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2026.

History made at Silverstone 

Speaking of Formula 1, more history was made at Silverstone back in July as British F4 for the first time ever raced on the same bill as Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3 at the British Grand Prix.

Taking centre stage in front of more than 500,000 at the Home of British Motor Racing, Virtuosi Racing’s Salim Hanna laid down his marker to the world by charging to victory in both non-points rounds.

Lando lands the big one

Who can forget those incredible scenes in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in early December, as Lando Norris was crowned the 2025 Formula One World Champion.

Enjoying a sublime season with McLaren, the British driver – who lifted the British F4 title ten years ago – kept his cool during a tense finale to become the first McLaren world champion since Lewis Hamilton in 2008. 

Norris’ single-seater journey began with British F4 in 2015 as he charged to championship superstardom with Carlin (now Rodin Motorsport), where he clinched a total of eight wins and a further seven podium finishes. 

The 2025 Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA will, for now, go down in the history books as one of the all-time great seasons, and the countdown has already begun to the 18-19 April, when the 2026 chapter begins at Donington Park.

Fortec Motorsport have locked in another two drivers for their 2026 roster. Identical twins Cash and Roman Felber will join the team for a full season campaign in the Wera Tools F4 British Championship, certified by FIA next season.

The American pairing arrive in the UK following a standout year in the Ligier Junior Formula Championship on home soil, in which both drivers claimed race victories and multiple podiums. Cash concluded the campaign third overall with six podiums and two wins to his name, while brother Roman netted five podiums and a single victory to chalk up seventh in the standings. The brothers also secured second and fourth respectively in the Rookie rankings.

The Felber brothers first drove at eight years of age on Segway karts around their driveway, with a visit to the 2022 United States Grand Prix igniting a passion to pursue a career in motorsport. Since then, they have competed as rivals on track and made history in the LJFC as the first twin brothers in the series’ history to finish on the podium in the same race. And now their incredible journey continues across the Atlantic, with the pairing becoming the first twins to compete in British F4 for the same team. Both are counting down the days until the 2026 Wera Tools British F4 season gets underway at Donington Park in April.

Oliver Dutton, Team Principal, Fortec Motorsport: “Cash and Roman have shown us clean fundamentals, intelligent race craft, and the humility in debriefs that separates good drivers from championship contenders. We’ve seen what they did in the States and now we’ll look to develop them throughout the season on some of the most challenging circuits in Europe.”

Cash Felber: “The goal for 2026 is simple: arrive prepared, extract everything the car has, and leave no doubt. Fortec Motorsport’s attention to detail is exactly what I need in my career right now, and their engineering depth and coaching structure will help on the path to Formula One.”

Roman Felber: “British F4 is the next test, and I’m bringing the same process from this season: learn fast, adapt faster, go quicker. The series rewards discipline and race intelligence – qualities I grew in abundance this year.”

Cash and Roman will compete with the support of BioLongevity Labs, iMerchant Solutions, Conversio Pay, Town Hall  and Rebol.

Cash (Left) and Roman (Right) are ready to team up with Fortec in 2026

British driver Alfie Slater will join 2025 Team Champions Rodin Motorsport, as he makes the step-up to single seaters – graduating from a successful campaign in the Ginetta Junior Championship this season.

Slater’s previous racing pedigree has put him in good stead ahead of a full season in the Wera Tools F4 British Championship Certified by FIA. The 15-year-old began his karting career in 2019, gaining experience in a competitive field to finish third in the LeCont Trophy – OK Junior series in 2022. Most recently, in the Ginetta Junior Championship, Alfie sealed three race wins and eight podiums in 2025 on his way to fifth in the standings.

As the first confirmed driver for Rodin’s 2026 British F4 team, the teenager is

determined to make his debut an impressive one in the slicks and wings formula.
His strong back catalogue and rapid rise through the ranks will make him an exciting driver to watch in the 2026 season.

Upon sealing his spot on the 2026 British F4 grid, Alfie said:

“I’m very excited to start my single seater journey in British F4 with Rodin. I had some

good results in Ginetta Juniors and I hope to replicate that in F4, but this time come

home with the championship.”

Rodin Motorsport’s Sporting Director Benn Huntingford said:

“We’re pleased to welcome Alfie Slater to Rodin for the 2026 British F4 season. He’s

shown real speed and composure and we believe he’s a strong fit for our programme.”

American driver Henry Mercier will return for a second season in Wera Tools British F4 in 2026, switching to Chris Dittmann Racing.

In his Rookie campaign of British F4 this year with Argenti Motorsport, the 17-year-old took one overall podium and a Rookie victory at Oulton Park, claiming three further Rookie podiums and several points finishes throughout the season. He finished 17th overall and 6th in the Rookie Cup.

Born in Wyoming, USA, Henry moved with his family to Spain in 2021 where he discovered a love of karting. After demonstrating his abilities on the Spanish kart tracks, he took his first steps up to the single seater ladder last year and will be looking to utilise that experience in 2026.

Henry Mercier: “I’m thrilled to be joining Chris Dittmann Racing for the 2026 season. They have proved that they are a top contender in this series. With the experience I gained last year and our combined commitment, I’m confident that we will have success next season. I’m really eager to get started!”

Chris Dittmann, Team Principal: “We’re excited to welcome Henry to the team. He performed really well in his rookie season in British F4 and showed strong promise. Now that he knows not only the car, but the circuits, we will both be looking to go a step further and challenge for race wins and beyond.

“I certainly believe that Henry can be a title contender. Chris Dittmann Racing has proven we can win races, so together we’ll be a very strong combination.”