Callum Ilott is aiming for the European Formula 3 title in 2017, but has admitted they’ll be a battle for the crown this season.

The Brit switched to Prema for his third year in the championship, citing their success in European F3 and links to other series as reason for joining the reigning champions.

“Six championships in a row,” he told Read Motorsport. “They also have the step to GP2, good connections and, I mean, I’m trying to put myself in the best place possible. It’s my third year in F3 so I should be aiming for the title.”

It makes sense Ilott will be eying his options for the future, as he intends to be leaving the championship at the end of the year, if he takes the title.

In theory, that shouldn’t be too hard, with Ilott’s experience and knowledge of the tracks. The 18-year-old has two wins and seven podium finishes in the championship, and is one of the favourites to take the title, but there’ll be tough competition this year, and Ilott knows it.

“I think Maxi [Gunther] – I think he’s going to be doing F3 again,” he said. “Lando [Norris], [Joel] Eriksson, and [Jake] Hughes as well. They’re all good drivers, so I think, with the regulation change as well, they could be quite competitive.”