The 17-year-old racer took two wins and eight podiums during an exciting title hunt in the Formula 4 British Championship in 2016. He also impressed with two stints in the F3 car with Carlin during the final round of the F3 season and in the Duo BRDC British F3 Autumn Trophy. The ADD Motorsports driver was delighted to be joining the team once again as he looks to fight for silverware once more next year.

He said: 

“I’m really excited to be making the step up. It’s going to be a lot harder with a lot of good drivers expected to be competing again, but the Carlin team are great to work with and their track record second to none and I hope to be up there fighting for the title again. I had a really good season in 2016 where I showed my potential with some great wins and podiums and I’m ready to put the work in with them again I can’t wait to get going!”

English driver James, born in Singapore, now living in Herts fought hard for the 2016 title in his second consecutive season in the Championship, having caught the eye with some polished podiums with JTR and Fortec in the competition’s inaugural year. James finished on the podium in each of his first three races at Brands Hatch as well as victories at Rockingham and Brands Hatch keeping him in the title hunt all season, before finishing fourth in a tightly fought contest.

He added:

 “I’ve really enjoyed the races in the F3 car so far. It’s different, a big step up of course and a lot more powerful, so there are more things to think about. But I’m looking forward to the winter programme and starting to work towards next season as soon as possible.”

Racing director Trevor Carlin added: “We are delighted to welcome James back for a second season with us here at Carlin. We had a great season together this year in the F4 British Championship which has given us a great platform as we head in to the 2017 season in BRDC British Formula Three. James has consistently shown his speed throughout the year and we’re pleased to welcome him back to the fold for the upcoming season following two solid outings in the Formula Three car earlier in the year.”