Australian racing sensation, James Wharton, is making waves in the motorsport world and the 19-year-old is firmly focused on securing a future in Formula 1.

Wharton’s racing career started at a very young age, with his parents encouraging him to take up karting prior to the age of 10.

Growing up in Melbourne, Wharton progressed through Mini and Cadet categories. His natural talent was evident early, dominating his 2017 season with eight wins from 10 races.

Karting Australia CEO Kelvin O’Reilly noted Wharton is one of many Karting Australia graduates making a real impact in motorsport around the world.

“The commitment and dedication shown by James and his family over the past few years has been unwavering as they’ve worked tirelessly to help him pursue his dream across Europe. We’re excited to see what the future holds for him,” O’Reilly said.

“When you look at the list of champions and former round winners in the Australian Kart Championship over the past decade, James’ name stands proudly alongside the likes of Oscar Piastri, Jack Doohan, Kai Allen, Broc Feeney, Lochie Hughes, Costa Toparis, Alex Ninovic, and many others.”

Since then, Wharton’s rise has been rapid, competing in F4 UAE and Italian F4 in 2023 before earning his first Formula 3 appearance at Silverstone in 2024. That performance secured him a full-time seat in the 2025 Formula 3 Championship with ART Grand Prix.

Four rounds into the 2025 season, Wharton has impressed, including a standout drive from 22nd to 11th at the Monaco Grand Prix.

More recently, Wharton claimed his maiden Formula 3 victory and Australia’s first win in the Championship since 2021 after taking out the Spielberg Sprint Race.

When it comes to his favourite tracks, Wharton has a clear preference.

“I think my favourite track is probably Spa or Barcelona, but it’s more about results because I’ve had good races there,” Wharton said.

“Spa is just a super cool drive, and there’s so much history.”

Away from the track, he spends much of his time on the golf course.

“I play golf way too much, maybe two or three times a week. I’m nowhere near a scratch golfer, but I play a lot,” Wharton said.

“Other than that, it’s just training. If there’s a week with no racing, it’s six days of gym work.

“I have to be strong but super light, so it’s a balancing act.”

Living abroad since the age of 13, Wharton honed some important life skills when he first moved to Italy with his father, before later settling near Milan on his own.

“At 13, I didn’t even know how to cook,” Wharton admitted.

“It took a while to get used to, the cooking, cleaning, all of it.”

Wharton’s go-to meal is simple but effective, and something almost every driver eats to stay in shape.

“I always eat chicken and rice because it’s just easy,” Wharton said.

“But my favourite? Sushi, a lot of sushi. Good sushi is unreal.

“I don’t make my own, but an Australian friend racing in GB3 does it for me when I want it.”

However, Wharton’s hunger lies elsewhere as he continues his Formula 3 campaign.

His blend of speed, work ethic, and maturity beyond his years suggests a bright future, one that may well lead him to the pinnacle of motorsport.

“The goal is Formula 1,” Wharton said.

“And I’m doing everything I can to get there.”