Tag: Max Esterson

iRacing convert Esterson set to become only U.S. driver in F3

Max Esterson is stepping up to Formula 3 full-time in 2024, and looks set to be the only American driver in the category this year. Kaylen Frederik and Hunter Yeany started the 2023 season but Yeany was replaced by Esterson for two rounds at Carlin …

Max Esterson is stepping up to Formula 3 full-time in 2024, and looks set to be the only American driver in the category this year.

Kaylen Frederik and Hunter Yeany started the 2023 season but Yeany was replaced by Esterson for two rounds at Carlin mid-season and did not secure another seat in the series after that point. Frederik has since tested Indy NXT and Super Formula Lights machinery and looks unlikely to return to F3 for a fourth year.

While Esterson only made those four race starts in Silverstone and Budapest in FIA F3, the iRacing star turned racer will now join the grid full-time with Jenzer Motorsport, who he drove for at Macau in November.

“I’m excited to be joining Jenzer Motorsport and to be racing in FIA F3,” said  Esterson. “Jenzer has a great history of success and has proven they can run at the front in F3, which has to be considered one of the most competitive series in the world.

“It’s a big step up for me with more power, more downforce, and a heavier car, but I feel like I’ve gelled well with Jenzer’s family environment in the post-season tests last year and at the Macau Grand Prix in November.

“I’m grateful to Andreas [Jenzer] and everyone at the team for the opportunity and to all my supporters including iRacing who have stepped up and helped me make this move. We’re working hard to be well prepared for Bahrain in February and I’m excited to get going!”

Esterson only made the transition from iRacing to real racing in 2020, and the Jenzer team principal believes he can go all the way through the ranks to emulate Logan Sargeant as a grand prix driver.

“After completing the official post-season 2023 test days with our team as well as the prestigious Macau World Cup, American racing driver Max Esterson will take on the challenge of competing as a rookie in the FIA F3 Championship with Jenzer Motorsport this season,” Jenzer said. “As Max is competing with the American flag and sponsors, we will work to bring the next American driver into the FIA F1 paddock!”

Esterson moved to the UK in 2021 to pursue the European ladder towards F1, becoming the first American to win both the Formula Ford Festival and Walter Hayes Trophy while representing the Team USA Scholarship in 2021, and competing in the GB3 Championship (pictured) prior to his step up to F3. For now he’s the only American in the field, although seven of the 30 slots are yet to be confirmed.

America does have Jak Crawford a rung further up the ladder in Formula 2, with the 18-year-old race-winner switching to DAMS for his second season in the feeder series following his departure from the Red Bull junior program.

America’s Esterson set for FIA F3 debut at Silverstone

Max Esterson, a standout in American sim racing who went on to win the British Formula Ford Festival last October, will make his FIA Formula 3 debut at this weekend’s British Grand Prix, driving for Carlin. Esterson is in his third full year of car …

Max Esterson, a standout in American sim racing who went on to win the British Formula Ford Festival last October, will make his FIA Formula 3 debut at this weekend’s British Grand Prix, driving for Carlin.

Esterson is in his third full year of car racing and competing in the GB3 Championship in the UK, basing himself in London after moving from New York City to pursue a career in single-seaters after having previously been one of the top five iRacing drivers in the U.S. As a result, he has had backing from iRacing as he became the first American to win the Formula Ford Festival main event in 2022, and represented the Team USA Scholarship there a year earlier.

After finishing seventh in the GB3 Championship last year, the 20-year-old — who is also supported by Chip Ganassi Racing — has remained in the series this season but moved to Fortec Motorsport, and will now get the opportunity to race in F3 as he replaces his countryman Hunter Yeany at Carlin for both Silverstone and Hungary.

“After the challenging year I’ve been having so far in the British F3 / GB3 Championship, it would be an understatement to say I’m excited to be making my debut in the big leagues of FIA Formula 3, even if it’s a little earlier in the year than expected,” Esterson said.

“It’s also great to be starting at Silverstone, the Formula 1 track I know best, and great to have the deep and broad experience of a team like Rodin Carlin behind me. It will still be a steep learning curve and big challenge to step in cold to what is probably the single most competitive series in the world.

“Although I’m hoping to be competitive, the regular runners are some of the best in the world and have thousands of miles in the FIA F3 car. For me, the first time I drive Carlin’s car will be on Friday morning in the sole 45-minute free practice session.

“Of course in the back of my head I’m dreaming of challenging at the front, but given the circumstances, those with more experience tell me it will be a great accomplishment to make it into the top half. Either way, I’ll be pushing my hardest and learning as much as I can over the weekend.”