Swedish teenager Hampus Ericsson has been confirmed as Double R Racing’s first driver signing for the 2019 BRDC British F3 Championship.



Hoping to follow in the wheeltracks of compatriot Linus Lundqvist, who won the 2018 BRDC British F3 title with the Woking team, the 16-year-old will be the second member of the Ericsson family to compete for the team. His brother, current Indycar and ex-F1 racer Marcus Ericsson, was with Double R for six British F3 races in 2009, taking four podiums with two wins at Rockingham and Hockenheim.



Some 10 years later, 16-year-old Hampus is ready to mount his own challenge on the highly competitive category with Double R after making a huge impact in 2018. Following a couple of years in British F4, he stepped up to British F3 for the final two events last season and made headlines with a podium finish at the Donington Park Grand Prix Circuit in only his second race.



Ericsson started his motor racing career in karting in his native Sweden in 2011, going on to finish third overall in the 2014 Swedish Junior 60 Championship. After moving into KF3 and KFJ the following year, he then became Vice-Champion of the Swedish KF Junior Championship.



Stepping up into car racing for the 2017 season in British F4, he concluded the campaign 10th overall with two podiums and also won the Challenge Cup. Last year he was 11th overall – with a best result of fourth – despite missing the final nine races following his switch to British F3.



Delighted to complete a deal with the highly-rated Ericsson, Double R team principal Anthony Hieatt is relishing working with the youngster and is confident the Swede can become a serious challenger at the front in Formula 3.



“Hampus is a driver we rate very highly, he more than proved his ability at Donington last year with a podium on his first weekend in British F3 so we’re absolutely delighted he is joining Double R,” said Hieatt. “We obviously know what he’s done in British F4 too, he’s a very quick and talented driver, and it’s great to have another Ericsson back at Double R!



“We’re very pleased to have such a promising young racer signed as our first driver for the 2019 season, and now we’ll be stepping up our testing and preparations. We’re confident Hampus is a driver who will make a major impression on the championship this year, definitely one to watch.”



Speaking on the deal with Double R, Ericsson said: “First of all, I want to thank Boyo [Hieatt], Double R, my sponsors, investors and, of course, my brother Marcus to give me the opportunity to do this! I did two test days with the team in December and it felt great, the guys pushed me and gave me a great car to drive so I’m looking forward to the start of the season.”