This year marks a significant shift for the Macau Grand Prix, which takes place on 14 to 17 November. For the first time, the Formula 3 race will be replaced by a Formula Regional (FR) competition, with high hopes about what this change will bring to the iconic Guia Circuit.
[See more: Formula Regional ushers in a new era for the Macau Grand Prix]
Motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, states that the Formula Regional category is ideal for emerging drivers who have always embodied the “unique essence” of racing in Macao. Officials emphasise that racing in Macao has long served as a pivotal moment for many of the sport’s top talents, and the upcoming FIA FR World Cup will continue this storied tradition.
Here’s a look at some of the young drivers who will take to the Guia Circuit in the FR category at this year’s Macau Grand Prix.
Dino Beganovic
Dino Beganovic is no stranger to the Macau Grand Prix. The Bosnian-Swedish driver made his debut on the iconic Guia Circuit last year, securing a fourth-place spot in qualifying. Unfortunately, his race was cut short after he climbed to third, only to hit the barrier at the infamous Lisboa bend. As promised after the race, Beganovic is back in Macao and eager for redemption.
“It’s incredibly exciting to be back,” Beganovic shared in a recent statement. “The circuit is not just one of my absolute favourites in the world, it’s also truly unique, extremely challenging and rewarding when you get it right. It’s got so much history and so much character, and I’m very, very excited to make this return and try to fight for the win with SJM Theodore PREMA Racing.”
[See more: Seven questions with Prema Racing team principal René Rosin]
Now in his second season in Formula 3, Beganovic finished sixth overall. The transition to Formula Regional raises questions about the challenges he may face at just 20 years old, but it’s worth noting that he was the 2022 FR European Championship (FRECA) winner before stepping into the F3 category.
Joining him at PREMA Racing are talented teammates Freddie Slater from the United Kingdom and Alex Dunne from Ireland. Additionally, two Formula 3 drivers will also be competing at this year’s Macau Grand Prix: Danish-German driver Ollie Goethe, who finished seventh in F3, and Spaniard Mari Boya, who placed 15th.
James Wharton
Making his debut at the Macau Grand Prix is James Wharton, a promising Australian driver who finished the 2024 FRECA championship in an impressive second place with 236 points, trailing only his Prema Racing teammate Rafael Câmara, who clinched the title with 309 points.
Wharton will represent ART Grand Prix on the Guia Circuit and expressed his eagerness for the opportunity, stating “I’m excited for the challenge. I can’t wait to dive in and give it my all.” The 18-year-old will be joined by teammates Evan Giltaire from France and Kanato Le from Japan.
[See more: F1 Academy: Bianca Bustamante opens up about her mental health]
His motorsport journey began at the age of eight in karting, where he quickly progressed, winning his first championship in Australia within just three years. Since then, he has celebrated victories across various events, including UAE F4, ADAC F4, Euro 4 and Italian F4. Looking ahead, he is set to compete in the FIA Formula 3 Championship next year with the same team he will race for in Macao.
Tuukka Taponen
Right below Wharton in the FRECA championship standings is Tuukka Taponen. As a member of the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy, Taponen will compete in Macao with R-ace GP, the same team that supported him throughout his FRECA campaign. Joining him on the team are Ugo Ugochukwu from the United States and Enzo Deligny from France.
Born in Finland, Tuukka began his racing journey at 11 and won the Finnish karting championship. He made his single-seater debut in the Formula 4 UAE Championship with Mumbai Falcons Racing, where he finished ninth overall, including two impressive second-place finishes. The following year, he joined R-ace GP, a team with a track record of developing drivers who have advanced to Formula 1, including Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly, and Oscar Piastri.
After a standout performance in FRECA, Tuukka is set to step up to Formula 3, racing for the ART GP team in the 2025 season. Known for his adaptability in challenging conditions, the question now is will Tuukka rise to the occasion around the tricky corners of Macao?
Evan Giltaire
Another standout driver in FRECA is Evan Giltaire, who finished an impressive seventh with the ART Grand Prix team and is set to compete in the 2024 Macau Grand Prix.
“The Macau GP is such a legendary race, and I can’t wait to tackle the unique challenges of the circuit,” the 17-year-old said. “I’m confident that with ART’s experience and my preparation, we can aim for a great result.”
[See more: With the countdown on for the Macau Grand Prix, here’s everything you need to know about the Guia Circuit]
Giltaire has rapidly risen in the racing world, starting his karting career at age 8 and claiming his first title at the 2018 Cadet French Cup. He transitioned to single-seater racing in 2021 and made waves by winning the French F4 championship in 2023, finishing with an impressive 317 points.
Making his FRECA debut in 2022, Giltaire has used his technical knowledge to enhance his performance on the track. While the Guia Circuit presents a challenge, like Tuukka Taponen, Giltaire has demonstrated a knack for adapting to the demands of specific races. As the Macau Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on how he will navigate his way through the circuit.
Tiago Rodrigues
Macao-born driver Tiago Rodrigues debuted at the Macau Grand Prix last year in the F4 category and is stepping up to the Formula Regional races this season. His passion for racing ignited at 13 when he visited the home of another local racer, André Couto, where he first experienced a racing simulator. After five months of virtual racing, he joined Macao’s Solar Racing Team to begin his karting journey.
Rodrigues received his racing licence at 15 and quickly made a mark by winning the F4 Chinese Championship in 2023. But the 17-year-old had his eyes set on Macao. “From the outside, it may look like winning Chinese F4 was one of my biggest achievements, but actually, it was racing at the Macau Grand Prix,” he said. He has also gained valuable experience racing in the F4 UAE and F4 Australian Championships.
[See more: ‘I am confident in my ability’ says Formula driver Tiago Rodrigues]
As he prepares for the Macau Grand Prix in an FR car with Evans GP this year, Rodrigues is focusing on physical training and simulator practice while balancing his schoolwork. He acknowledges the challenge of adapting to the heavier Formula Regional car, but despite only having three days of practice, he is determined to “give his all to go for the win.” With his local experience and competitive spirit, Rodrigues could make an impact at this year’s event.
