Louis Sharp commits to Formula Regional Oceania Trophy ahead of pivotal F3 season

Louis Sharp, New Zealand's rising single-seater star and a 2026 Prema Racing FIA Formula 3 driver, will compete in the upcoming Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy. The 18-year-old will join mtec Motorsport for the four-round series, which includes the prestigious New Zealand Grand Prix, using the home-soil campaign to build crucial momentum before his high-profile move to the F3 powerhouse team.

Why it matters:

For a young driver on the cusp of a major career step, competitive seat time is invaluable. This series offers Sharp a rare opportunity to race at home against international competition, honing his racecraft with a proven local team before returning to the intense pressure of the European junior formula ladder with Prema.

The details:

• Sharp will drive for mtec Motorsport in the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy, with support from the Tony Quinn Foundation.
• The championship serves as a strategic bridge between his 2025 F3 rookie season and his 2026 campaign with the top-tier Prema Racing squad.
• Born in the UK but raised in Christchurch, Sharp's career was forged in New Zealand karting, where he became the country's dominant age-group karter by 12.
• His single-seater path began in Formula First—a series known for producing talents like Scott Dixon and Liam Lawson—before moving to Formula Ford and then to Europe.
• His European success includes the 2023 British F4 title and the 2024 GB3 Championship, which propelled him into FIA Formula 3 for 2025.

What's next:

All focus shifts to the 2026 season, where Sharp will partner with James Wharton at Prema Racing in FIA Formula 3, one of the final key steps on the path to Formula 1. His performance there will be critical in determining his future prospects. Meanwhile, fans can follow his Oceania campaign via live streams on TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand's YouTube channel and broadcasts on Sky Sport NZ and Motorsport.TV.