Nigerian-American former McLaren junior driver Ugo Ugochukwu became the first FIA Formula Three champion from the United States at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday.
The tall 19-year-old finished second in the final round of the season for Campos Racing at the Madring to finish 14 points clear of Briton Freddie Slater, an Audi junior driver.
Ugochukwu, who drives for Campos Racing, entered the final round level on points with Slater after trailing the Briton earlier in the season.
Slater, 18, had gone into the weekend 15 points clear of his U.S. rival.
Formula 1 said Ugochukwu kept out of trouble to finish second and secure the championship, while Finland’s Tuukka Taponen won the final race to claim his maiden F3 victory.
Taponen held the lead from pole position into Turn 1 and controlled the gap to Ugochukwu behind, before a late Safety Car set up a final-lap sprint.
The Finnish driver remained in front to take victory, while Ugochukwu finished second and Pedro Clerot completed the podium in third.
Born and raised in New York City, Ugochukwu is the son of Nigerian fashion model Oluchi Onweagba and her Italian husband.
He follows in the footsteps of past F3 champions Oscar Piastri and Gabriel Bortoleto, who now race in Formula One with McLaren and Audi respectively.
“We knew we just had to keep it clean to clinch the title, and that’s what we did. No mistakes, brought it home and super pleased,” he said.
The junior series is one rung below Formula Two on the ladder to Formula One.
