Callum Ilot will join Carlin for the 2015 FIA Formula 3 European Championship as a member of the Red Bull Junior Team. The 16 year-old driver makes his debut in car racing this season, following a stunning career in karting.
The signing of Ilot with Carlin marks 10 years of a successful relationship between the Red Bull Junior Team and the British squad, who have run the programme’s drivers in British F3, FIA Formula 3 European Series, Formula Renault 3.5 and most recently in the GP3 Series where the team took Alex Lynn to the drivers’ title.
Previously Ilot was one of the stars of the karting circuit and is the reigning KF European Champion. The British racer also won the WSK KF class super masters title, and was third in KF class at the WSK Champions Cup, having started his karting career in 2008.
“Being in the Red Bull Junior Team is a privilege, you just have to look at the history of the drivers that have gone before,” said Ilott. “Last season was very good for me so I was hoping for a good start in cars but I didn’t imagine that I would get this opportunity. The step up to F3 is quite something, I have a lot to learn but I have already had a very good start with a few F3 tests with Carlin and a couple of tests in a Renault 2.0. I want to make a good impression this year; show my speed early and keep improving.”
Trevor Carlin added, “We’re very excited to have such a young talent join the team. Whilst Callum will be on a steep learning curve we fully expect him to show a rapid rate of development as the season progresses. We’d like to thank Dr Marko for entrusting us yet again with one of his young protégés.”