Kiwi rising star Louis Sharp will remain in the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA after confirming his plans to race with Carlin for the 2023 season.
Despite flying over 11,000 miles to the UK late in the winter and missing the first event of the 2022 season due to his age, the 15-year-old from Christchurch widely impressed last season.
By the end of his debut weekend at Brands Hatch, Sharp was already a podium finisher in Britain’s FIA Formula 4 series. After repeating the feat again at the following event, Thruxton, Sharp then took a maiden win at Oulton Park, in only his third race meeting.
He would go on to record a further win at Silverstone amongst 12 podium finishes in total, placing him fourth overall in the championship standings.
Back on the grid, and with the support of Rodin Cars, Sharp’s ambition now is to take full advantage of a proper testing programme and, coupled with his race experience, mount a fully fledged assault on the championship in 2023.
“First and foremost, I must thank David Dicker and his amazing Rodin Cars company for making all this possible,” said a delighted Sharp.
“I’m thrilled to be staying with Carlin after what was an amazing debut season. Coming from New Zealand, it’s been a big learning curve but, already, I’ve learned so much which will help me in the future. I’ve had a bit of success, too, which is a good progression towards my goal of Formula 1.”
Carlin are among the most decorated teams in ROKiT British F4’s nine-year history. The Farnham team delivered Lando Norris, Max Fewtrell, Jamie Caroline and Zane Maloney to their respective Drivers’ titles, and added a fifth Teams’ crown to their total in 2022.
They also took the title down to the final weekend with Williams F1 junior Ollie Gray, and will be among the teams to beat once more in 2023.
Sharp joins the previously-announced Dion Gowda in the team’s line-up, with the remainder to be confirmed at a later date.
“Louis only arrived here a few weeks before the start of last season but we could see straight away just how good he was and how quick he was going to be,” enthused team director, Trevor Carlin.
“Considering his age and lack of experience, he had a fantastic year and we are so pleased he’s staying in the Carlin fold to build-on what we’ve already achieved. Together, I’m sure, we’ll be doing some more winning in British F4 where I truly believe he will be a title contender next season.”
Sharp’s unveiling makes it 10 confirmed drivers for the 2023 season to-date. The series will again feature 10 weekends, including the full Grand Prix circuit at Silverstone alongside nine events in support of the high-profile British Touring Car Championship.
Donington Park, Leicestershire hosts the season opener on 22-23 April, 2023. Further driver announcements will be made in due course.
