Here is a massive move for the future: MP Motorsport have officially confirmed the signing of Zhenrui Chi for the 2027 FIA Formula 3 season. That is right, the young charger is making the definitive leap up the single-seater ladder.
Looking back at his progression, it has been a fascinating journey. After a strong karting career, Chi stepped up to single-seater racing in 2024, where he fought his way to a fifth-place finish in the Formula Trophy UAE. From there, the Aston Martin Driver Academy member jumped into the Italian F4 Championship in 2025, racking up one win and four podiums in total to secure another fifth-place finish in the Drivers' Standings.
I am truly delighted with my promotion to Formula 3, especially while doing so with MP Motorsport,
The graduation to Formula 3 comes after he raced for the Dutch squad in this year's Formula Regional European Championship, wrapping up that campaign in eighth position. The 17-year-old will now share a garage with Matteo De Palo and Maciej Gladysz at MP.
Chi is clearly thrilled to keep this momentum going with a familiar outfit. “I am truly delighted with my promotion to Formula 3, especially while doing so with MP Motorsport,” said Chi. “We have gelled really well in the FIA Formula Regional European Championship this season, so my confidence is high for a repeat. The team have done really well in F3 this year, certainly towards the end of the season, so it’s my goal to contribute to the team’s ultimate pace and have their outstanding form last well into next season.”
MP Motorsport's Team Principal Sander Dorsman is equally pleased to keep the driver in their corner for the upcoming challenge. “We are very happy to retain Newman for his step up to FIA Formula 3,” Dorsman added. “In FIA FREC this year, he has seldomly put a foot wrong, demonstrating his ability to be a consistent front-runner, which is absolutely what you need in a highly competitive environment such as FIA F3. With Maciej, Matteo and Newman, we have an exciting mix of experience and youthful energy that will hold us in good stead for 2027.”
