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Ex-McLaren driver beats Audi F1 junior to championship title
Former McLaren F1 junior driver Ugo Ugochukwu has claimed title
victory at the Formula Regional Oceania Championship. The American
driver beat newly announced Audi junior Freddie Slater to the title
at the final round at Highlands Motorsport Park. The four-round
championship got underway in early January and also saw the
single-seater debut of WRC champion Kalle Rovapera, who is
preparing for a campaign in Super Formula this year. Ugochukwu won
four races across the campaign and claimed an additional two
podiums en route to the title. The 21-year-old was long part of the
McLaren junior programme having signed a long-term deal several
years ago, but departed the scheme last November. Nevertheless, his
2026 racing season got off to the best possible start as he claimed
the championship title, joining fellow title-winners such as Lando
Norris, Lance Stroll, Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad. “It's an
amazing feeling, to cross the line,” he said. “The race felt way
longer than usual, but just happy to get it done, get it over with.
“It's been a really good campaign, a really good season. I can't
thank the whole team enough. “They did a mega job all year, I'm
happier for them than me. Just a big thanks to them for putting
their trust in me this season.” Slater ended the campaign 15 points
down on Ugochukwu, just one week after the Briton was announced as
Audi's first junior F1 driver. Ugochukwu and Slater will both race
in the Formula 3 championship this year for Campos and Trident,
respectively.
