Ex-F1 junior Ugo Ugochukwu wins Formula Regional after split with his F1 team

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Ugo Ugochukwu clinched the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy after a season defined by consistency, sealing the title with four wins from 15 races and finishing 15 points clear of Audi-backed Freddie Slater.

The Nigerian-born American driver made a strong statement early in the campaign with back-to-back victories at Hampton Downs, a start that proved decisive as the season unfolded. He reached the podium at every round and finished outside the top 10 only twice all year.

“Amazing feeling honestly to cross the line,” Ugochukwu said after the New Zealand Grand Prix. “The race felt way longer than usual, just happy to get it done, to get it over with, and get the championship.

“It’s been a really good campaign, really good season. I can’t thank the whole team enough. They did a mega job all year and I’m happier for them than even for me.”

He credited his early momentum for shaping the rest of the season, adding, “Hampton Downs was the perfect start. It gave me a nice advantage to build into the rest of the season. At the end, today was just about getting the points that we needed and bringing it home.”

The title fight nearly unravelled at the season-ending New Zealand Grand Prix after a suspension failure forced him into the pits late in qualifying. Although M2 Competition repaired the car in time for him to progress, a technical breach relating to the suspension saw the 18-year-old relegated to 13th on the grid for the feature race.

“It hasn’t been easy,” Ugochukwu admitted. “We got a little bit unlucky in Q1, which was a shame. I would have loved to have fought for the New Zealand Grand Prix as well. But I had to put it behind me and look at the bigger picture and get the championship, and that’s what we did.”

The series marked his first major campaign since splitting with McLaren, following sweeping changes to its junior line-up. With the Oceania title secured, Ugochukwu will now shift focus to the FIA Formula 3 Championship, where he is set to begin his second season with Campos Racing.

After finishing 16th overall last year with Prema, including two podiums, his 2026 F3 campaign will begin on March 6–8 at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.