Red Bull Junior Team Signing: A Promising Future for Mexican Racing
At just 16 years old and with less than two seasons of single-seater racing experience, Mexican driver Ernesto Rivera has been confirmed as a pilot for the Red Bull Junior Team to compete in the FIA Formula 3 championship in 2026 with Campos Racing.
Currently, Rivera ranks 3rd in the Eurocup-3 series, where he has impressed with his speed, consistency, and adaptability compared to more experienced drivers.
From Karts to the Elite of Motorsport
Ernesto Rivera’s sporting career has been meteoric. After only two years in karting, he conquered multiple national championships in the United States and Mexico, becoming the only Mexican driver to win twice at the prestigious SuperNationals in Las Vegas.
In 2024, he made his European debut by competing in the F4 Spanish series, where he secured victories, multiple podium finishes, and ended the season in 5th place overall. His results caught the attention of Red Bull, who subsequently included him in their young talent program led by Helmut Marko in September of the same year.
Path to FIA Formula 3
Rivera’s move to the FIA Formula 3 represents the most significant challenge in his short but rising career. The category shares a schedule with Formula 1 at major circuits worldwide, including:
- Silverstone (United Kingdom)
- Monza (Italy)
- Red Bull Ring (Austria)
- Barcelona-Catalunya (Spain)
- Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium)
- Monte Carlo (Monaco)
- Hungaroring (Hungary)
- Zandvoort (Netherlands)
Rivera is also expected to participate in a winter Formula Regional championship in the Middle East or Oceania, with the aim of arriving at his debut F3 season better prepared.
A Bet on Mexico in Motorsport
The young driver has made it clear that his goal is to place Mexico at the forefront of international motorsport and continue a rising career that brings him closer to Formula 1.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Ernesto Rivera? Ernesto Rivera is a 16-year-old Mexican racing driver who has quickly risen through the ranks in karting and single-seater racing.
- What is the significance of Rivera joining Red Bull Junior Team? Being part of the Red Bull Junior Team is a significant opportunity for Rivera, as it provides him with resources and support to advance in his motorsport career, potentially leading to a spot in Formula 1.
- What is the FIA Formula 3 championship? The FIA Formula 3 is a single-seater motorsport series that serves as a stepping stone for drivers aiming to reach Formula 1. It features races at major circuits worldwide, sharing the schedule with Formula 1 in some events.
- Why is Rivera’s move to FIA Formula 3 important? Competing in the FIA Formula 3 is a crucial step for Rivera, as it presents a more significant challenge and offers greater exposure, helping him hone his skills and increase his chances of advancing to Formula 1.
