GB3 race-winner Max Esterson is the latest contender to confirm an appearance in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, after announcing that he’ll drive for Rodin Carlin at Silverstone this weekend.
Esterson, who currently races in GB3 with Fortec, follows in the footsteps of McKenzy Cresswell, who made the jump from GB3 to FIA F3 ahead of the round in Austria last weekend.
The New Yorker took his maiden GB3 win at Donington Park last year and will now focus his attentions on FIA F3 at Silverstone and then Hungary on 21-23 July, before returning to GB3 action back at Silverstone at the end of July.
Esterson said: “Late last week the opportunity arose for me to join the Rodin Carlin team as one of their FIA Formula 3 drivers at the British Grand Prix. I’m extremely grateful to everyone at the team for having confidence in me and giving me the opportunity.
“After the challenging year I've been having so far in the GB3 Championship, it would be an understatement to say I’m excited to be making my debut in the big leagues of FIA Formula 3, even if it's a little earlier in the year than expected. It's also great to be starting at Silverstone, the Formula One track I know best, and great to have the deep and broad experience of a team like Rodin Carlin behind me.
“Although I’m hoping to be competitive, the regular runners are some of the best in the world and have thousands of miles in the FIA F3 car. For me, the first time I drive Carlin’s car will be on Friday morning in the sole 45 minute free practice session. Of course in the back of my head I’m dreaming of challenging at the front, but given the circumstances, those with more experience tell me it will be a great accomplishment to make it into the top half. Either way, I’ll be pushing my hardest and learning as much as I can over the weekend.”
Trevor Carlin added: “We’re pleased to welcome Max to the team this weekend. He will have a lot to learn very quickly, but he has a great team around him and will make his F3 debut on a track he is familiar with. Making progress with every session will be the aim and I look forward to seeing what he can achieve.”
Esterson joins a growing crop of GB3 graduates in FIA F3 this year. As well as Cresswell, the three most recent British F3/GB3 champions Kaylen Frederick, Zak O’Sullivan and Luke Browning are well established names in the series, along with Tommy Smith, Roberto Faria and Christian Mansell.