Formula 1 racer Marcus Ericsson younger brother Hampus will graduate to compete in the BRDC British Formula 3 for the rest of the 2018 season, it has been announced.

The 16-year-old made his formula racing debut in 2017 in the British Formula 4 with Fortec Motorsports where he finished 10th in his rookie season with 69 points and two podium positions. He won the rookie category scoring 367.5 points.

The Swede continued in the series for another year in 2018 but missed the last round at Knockhill in what has been a difficult season. He has since decided to graduate to British F3 with Fortec, joining the series for the rounds at Donington Park and Silverstone.

“I’m really looking forward to making the move up to BRDC British F3 for the last two rounds of the season,” said Ericsson. “I’m also very happy to be remaining with the Fortec team as I move up into a new series.

“They’ve helped me a lot with my development in F4, and I know they’ll help me adapt to the new car very quickly. I’m looking to end my season on a high, and hope for strong results at Donington and Silverstone.”

Team manager Russ Dixon added: “We’re very pleased to welcome Hampus to our British F3 team. He’s had a difficult season in F4, with issues beyond his control, and we feel a change of scenery will help him to display the natural talent and speed he has shown us.

“We look forward to seeing him in the British F3 car and we think he’ll spring a surprise or two in the final two rounds.” Ericsson joins Manual Maldonado – brother of Pastor and Tom Gamble in the three-car team in the #44 car.

He also joins fellow countrymen Double R Racing’s Linus Lundqvist who seems to be in line to win the 2018 title as he sits on top with 473 points to second placed Nicolai Kjaergaard’s 362 and Douglas Motorsport’s Arvin Esmaeili.