British F4 runner-up Sebastian Alvarez is making the move to the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship for the 2020 season, completing Double R Racing’s capacity three-car line-up.

The 16-year-old Mexican driver starred in British F4 last year with Double R by taking five race victories and 14 other podiums, and stays with Anthony Hieatt’s multiple championship-winning squad for the graduation into Formula 3.

In what looks set to be one of the Woking squad’s most exciting line-ups for several years, Alvarez – who is part of the Infinity Sports Management stable of drivers – will join Louis Foster, who has also made the move with Double R from F4 to F3, and experienced British F3 racer Benjamin Pedersen.

Alvarez heads into his third year of racing with Double R having debuted in the UK with the team in 2018 for his first season in British F4. In his maiden year on UK tracks, he took four Rookie class podiums and a best overall finish of sixth on his way to 12th overall in the driver standings.

Last season, the Mexican racer put into practice everything he learned in year one by becoming a major force in the title battle. With a total of 19 podiums from the 30 races contested, he missed out on the championship by a mere 20 points.

Tied at the top of the standings going into the last weekend of the season at Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit, Alvarez actually opened up a five-point advantage after the first two races but a luckless retirement in the finale ended his title dream.

“I am really happy to continue working with Double R for a third year in a row,” said Alvarez. “It’s been a busy off-season and I am really looking forward to the beginning of the championship, to start racing again.

“It’s fantastic to be making the step up into BRDC British Formula 3, especially off the back of such a strong and successful season in F4 with the team last year. Everyone works together really well and the team has had a lot of success in F3, so we’re aiming for a very strong season together.”

Team Principal Anthony Hieatt is looking forward to continuing the relationship with Alvarez and has every confidence the rapid Mexican racer will be a force to be reckoned with in his maiden season at F3 level.

“Sebastian really came of age as a driver last season in British F4, he put together a fantastic championship and his pace was outstanding,” said Hieatt. “Only bad luck prevented him from winning the title, but his performances showed he’s definitely ready for the step-up into F3. It’s fantastic for us to continue working together for a third year, we’re really looking forward to it.

“We’re delighted to complete our three car line-up for the new season and we’re as determined as ever to challenge for podiums, race wins and the title. We’ve got a fantastic squad with Sebastian, Louis [Foster] and Benjamin [Pedersen] and I’m confident all three will have a big impact.”