British F4 champion Fionn McLaughlin says there’s “no room for error” as he makes his debut on the Macau Grand Prix from 15-16 November.
McLaughlin is one in every of seven System 4 champions on a grid of 20 drivers from across the globe who will compete for the Macau F4 World Cup.
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The Guia road circuit is without doubt one of the most fearsome about, with 3.8 miles of slender, high-speed roads lined with partitions solely inches away.
“There are F4 champions from internationally doing this race and will probably be the highest degree,” Pink Bull Junior driver McLaughlin instructed BBC Sport NI.
“Will probably be good to see how I examine in opposition to them. There can be many expectations for a lot of across the observe, however for me it’s about doing an excellent job.
“The primary aim is profitable, and I am going to work exhausting to try to get that. Racing in opposition to one of the best F4 drivers can be good.”
After years in karting, McLaughlin solely began automobile racing in 2025 and dominated British F4 to take the general and rookie championships with Hitech Racing.
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Racing at Macau would be the first time the 18-year-old from Northern Eire has raced on a road circuit however he says it is “probably the greatest tracks” he has pushed within the simulator.
“I am unable to wait to really feel the velocity and the fun of it,” he mentioned.
“On the sim it’s wonderful with how briskly and flowing it’s, and the way tight it’s with the partitions.
“I am unable to wait to expertise that in actual life. The danger-taking will in all probability be a bit decrease than regular. If you happen to take too many dangers then you’ll be within the wall.”
‘Hopefully I can grow to be probably the greatest’
McLaughlin took half in three System 3 checks as he prepares to race on System 1 weekends in 2026 [Getty Images]
After dominating British F4, McLaughlin will take an enormous step in his profession as he strikes as much as System 3 for 2026.
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He’ll once more race with Hitech, the staff which took him to the British F4 success, and can be competing on 10 System 1 weekends all through the season.
Simply days after his closing race at Manufacturers Hatch, McLaughlin took half within the first of three checks in Spain and Italy to strive a System 3 automobile for the primary time and he mentioned he “learnt quite a bit”.
“How a lot velocity you may carry by means of the nook is the principle distinction. The braking is kind of exhausting,” {the teenager} mentioned.
“There’s much more aero and most of it’s if you circulation by means of the nook. You need to carry the velocity and belief the grip. It is loopy in comparison with F4.
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“I do know what to do, and in my mind I am telling myself to do the best factor, however it’s having the boldness to do it.
“Getting used to that originally was exhausting however I really feel like I am getting there now. I am assured I will be prepared firstly of the season.”
The System 3 season begins in Melbourne on 7 March earlier than rounds in Bahrain, Monaco, Barcelona, Austria, Silverstone, Belgium, Hungary, Italy and Madrid.
“I am so excited and I am unable to wait to see how a lot I enhance. Hopefully I can grow to be probably the greatest drivers on the grid,” McLaughlin added.
“The race all the finest drivers round at Melbourne can be particular.”
