Ugo Ugochukwu Wins Formula Regional After Split With His F1 team
Nigerian-born American driver Ugo Ugochukwu has won the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy, capping a season defined by consistency and composure under pressure. The 18-year-old sealed the championship with four victories from 15 races, finishing 15 points clear of Audi-backed rival Freddie Slater. His title push was built on a strong early statement, highlighted by back-to-back wins at Hampton Downs, which provided the foundation for his successful campaign. Ugochukwu reached the podium at every round of the season and finished outside the top 10 just twice, underlining his remarkable reliability across the championship. “Amazing feeling honestly to cross the line,” he said after the New Zealand Grand Prix. “The race felt way longer than usual. I’m just happy to get it done 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-season momentum for shaping the rest of the title run. “Hampton Downs was the perfect start. It gave me a nice advantage to build into the rest of the season. Today was just about getting the points we needed and bringing it home,” he added. The championship finale was not without drama. A suspension failure late in qualifying for the New Zealand Grand Prix forced Ugochukwu into the pits, and although his M2 Competition team repaired the car in time, a technical breach saw him relegated to 13th on the grid for the feature race. “It hasn’t been easy,” he admitted. “We got a little unlucky in Q1, which was a shame. I would have loved to fight for the New Zealand Grand Prix as well. But I had to focus on the bigger picture and get the championship, and that’s what we did.” The Oceania title marks his first major success since parting ways with McLaren following changes to its junior programme. With the trophy secured, Ugochukwu now turns his attention to the FIA Formula 3 Championship, where he will begin his second season with Campos Racing. After finishing 16th overall last year with Prema, including two podium finishes, his 2026 F3 campaign will get underway at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, scheduled for March 6–8.
