Hampus Ericsson, brother of Marcus, will compete full-time in the 2019 BRDC British F3 Championship, it has been announced.

The younger brother of former F1 and current IndyCar racer, Marcus, will race in the British F3 series in 2019 with Double R Racing after making his debut in 2018 with Fortec in the last two weekends, where he even scored a podium.

Hampus Ericsson is Double R’s first 2019 signing and the fourth driver overall in the series. He is the second Swede to race in 2019 after Carlin signed up Lucas Petersson, with Douglas Motorsport taking up Kiern Jewiss and Joshua Mason sticking with Lanan.

First of all, I want to thank Boyo [Hieatt], Double R, my sponsors, investors and, of course, my brother Marcus to give me the opportunity to do this,” said Hampus Ericsson. “I did two test days with the team in December and it felt great.

The guys pushed me and gave me a great car to drive so I’m looking forward to the start of the season.” The 16-year-old becomes the second member of the Ericsson family to race for Double R after Marcus did in 2009 when it ran as Raikkonen Robertson Racing.

Team principal Anthony Hieatt added: “Hampus is a driver we rate very highly, he more than proved his ability at Donington last year with a podium on his first weekend in British F3 so we’re absolutely delighted he is joining Double R.

We obviously know what he’s done in British F4 too, he’s a very quick and talented driver, and it’s great to have another Ericsson back at Double R. We’re very pleased to have such a promising young racer signed as our first driver for the 2019 season.

Now we’ll be stepping up our testing and preparations. We’re confident Hampus is a driver who will make a major impression on the championship this year, definitely one to watch.” More drivers will be announced at a later stage.