Hitech Pulse-Eight has announced that Aussie rising star James Wharton will race in FIA Formula 3 at Silverstone this weekend.

The 17-year-old Australian has had a successful career in karting since 2011 and transitioned to single-seater racing in the Italian F4 Championship in 2022.

Wharton secured the Formula 4 UAE Championship title in 2023 and finished as the runner-up in the Euro 4 Series that same year.

Currently competing in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine, Wharton has already achieved two podium finishes and two pole positions in the first four rounds. He now sits sixth in the Drivers’ Standings.

Wharton expressed his excitement about the opportunity to race at Silverstone alongside the Formula 1 stars.

“I can’t thank Hitech Grand Prix enough for the opportunity and for trusting me to take the wheel this weekend at Silverstone,” Wharton said. 

“This is the biggest opportunity I’ve had in my career so far. It’s going to be a challenging weekend, but I can’t wait to show what I can do.”

Hitech’s Formula 3 Team Manager Paul Bellringer said Wharton’s addition to the team was an exciting opportunity.

“We’re looking forward to having James in the car this weekend and have been busy preparing him in the simulator,” Bellringer said.

“It will be a challenging and exciting Formula 3 debut for him in equal measure.”

Wharton will be one of three Australians competing in the FIA Formula 3 Championship this weekend at the British Grand Prix, joining Christian Mansell and Tommy Smith.