CHRISTIAN SHIFTING GEARS

The 17-year-old is set to become the first Singaporean driver to race in Formula 3

- Kimberly Kwek

As excitement for the Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix picks up with the race arriving in the Republic this week, there is also reason to celebrate for local driver Christian Ho.

The 17-year-old is taking a significant step towards his dream of racing in Formula One with a move to F3 imminent next season.

Christian, who announced the news on Sept 16, will be the first Singaporean to race in F3, which is two rungs below F1 in the International Automobile Federation's (FIA) global pathway from karting to the sport's pinnacle.

Details of which F3 team he is joining are expected to be announced at a later date.

The F3 season typically takes place on the sidelines of F1 circuits, including some iconic venues such as Britain's Silverstone, Monaco's street circuit and the Red Bull Ring in Austria.

He will be making the step up from the Eurocup-3 series, which serves as a stepping stone for drivers between F4 and F3. Three-time world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull and Azerbaijan Grand Prix winner Oscar Piastri of McLaren who was crowned F3 champion in 2020 are some of the F1 stars who have come through F3.