Teenager selected to join elite Red Bull Junior Driver Team

MAGHERAFELT teenager Fionn McLaughlin is hoping to follow in the footsteps, or should that be slipstream, of Formula One world champions Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen after successfully coming through the Red Bull Driver Search.

The global scouting programme, which aims to find the next F1 World Champion, has selected 16-year-old Fionn McLaughlin from Magherafelt to join the elite Red Bull Junior Driver Team.

The search for future F1 champions began in the first week of August in Jerez, Spain, when a group of 11 invited candidates aged between 13-16 years old came from the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Lebanon and Mexico.

From this aspiring group, the first drivers selected to join the programme were former kart driver McLaughlin and young Swedish talent Scott Lindblom.

“My goal in racing is to be a world champion,” said the talented youngster from mid Ulster.

“I never give up; I work hard until I’m at the top. I will keep working until I’m there.

McLaughlin will compete in the F4 series next season as he continues his progression to what he hopes will be the pinnacle of the sport.