Ugo Ugochukwu has grow to be Prema's first signing for the 2025 Formula 3 season.
The American 17-year-old is the third driver announced for the primary season in the brand new Dallara-built cars, joining returning competitors Charlie Wurz and Mari Boy, who will race within the Trident and Campos respectively.
Prema will likely field a completely recent line-up given the strong campaigns of Gabriele Mini, Arvid Lindblad and Dino Beganovic this season, with all three ending in the highest six of the drivers' standings.
Strengthening its partnership with Prema, McLaren junior Ugochukwu continues a partnership that began in 2022, during which they competed together in multiple F4 disciplines.
Ugochukwu has competed within the European Formula One Regional Championship this season and is currently 14th within the rankings with one podium to his name.
“I am really happy to announce that I will be racing with Prema in the FIA ​​Formula 3 Championship in 2025,” said Ugochukwu.
Ugo Ugochukwu on the 2023 Macau Grand Prix
Photo: Macau GP
“Working with all of the people here is special, the chemistry is superb and makes working really enjoyable on and off the track. We've had two positive seasons together and I'm looking forward to constructing on that and I'm sure we'll have a great yr ahead of us.
Ugochukwu has previously taken part in F3 post-season testing with Rodin, although he will probably be on a reasonably even playing field against more experienced drivers in the approaching season given the introduction of recent machinery.
“We are very pleased to have worked with Ugo over the last two years, from Formula 4 to Formula Regional, and we believe he has huge potential,” added Prema team principal Rene Rosin.
“We are confident that he will be a great fit for next year's FIA Formula 3 in terms of his approach and driving style. We will begin preparations soon and look forward to helping him make a smooth and successful transition to the new series.”
McLaren is currently represented within the F1 support paddock by F2 championship leader Gabriel Bortoleto, in addition to Alex Dunne and Martinius Stenshorne, with all three yet to verify their 2025 plans.
