Finalists chosen for inaugural FAT Racing shootout to secure F4 drive

The finalists have been selected for the inaugural shootout for a scheme created by former Formula 1 engineer Rob Smedley to offer a British F4 campaign to an underfunded driver.

Smedley first revealed the plans in 2023 which initially featured a series of karting competitions around the world where all of the participants race in arrive-and-drive electric karts in a bid to try to democratise motorsport and enable talented drivers from less privileged backgrounds the chance to shine.

These events formed part of the FAT Karting League, from which world finals were held to help select the drivers for the FAT Racing shootout.

Two finalists were automatically chosen from the world finals: American Shea Aldrich, who won the Junior Heavy class, and Briton Ellis McKenzie, who topped the Junior Light division.

They will be joined in the shootout by two wildcard drivers who also impressed during the world finals. Scotland-based South African Monde-Jnr Konini was a runner-up while American Jackson Wolny was third in the Junior Heavy final.

They will now all take part in a two-stage shootout to determine who receives the fully-funded seat on this year’s British F4 grid.

The first phase will take place at FAT Racing’s UK headquarters and will involve simulator, fitness and media skills assessments, before the finalists will then head to the Guadix circuit in Spain, where they will get behind the wheel of F4 machinery.

“This is a historic moment for us, but more importantly, it’s a statement of intent,” explained Smedley.

“This has taken years of relentless work, belief and refusal to accept the status quo.

“Today, we are crystallising a real pathway from the FAT Karting League into single-seater racing that is based on talent, performance and capability — not on who can afford to pay their way forward.

“For too long, motorsport has filtered out exceptional ability simply because of budget. That has to change.

“Talent deserves opportunity, not exclusion, and we’re proud to be building a system that finally puts ability first.”

Smedley’s FAT Karting League co-founder Ferdi Porsche added: “The shootout is the next step in our mission to create a truly meritocratic pipeline all the way to the top of the sport.

“By removing financial roadblocks and pairing that with the technical expertise of our engineers, we’re ensuring that anyone gets a shot at becoming the next world champion, regardless of their background.”