Sixteen-year-old Maltese racing driver Jacob Micallef will take another major step in his young career after being confirmed by Hitech Grand Prix for selected rounds of the 2026 GB3 Championship.
Micallef will make his debut at the Hungaroring from 2–5 July, while continuing his full Spanish F4 campaign with Campos Racing.
It is a landmark moment for Maltese motorsport, with Micallef set to become the first driver from Malta to compete in the GB3 Championship, a series regarded as one of the key final steps before FIA Formula 3.
The move comes during an impressive first full season in single-seaters for the young Maltese talent. After building his name in karting, Micallef has adapted quickly to Formula 4 machinery and underlined his potential by taking pole position at Portimão in only the second round of the F4 Spanish Championship.
He had already gained valuable experience earlier in his development through the F4 Saudi Championship, giving him important mileage before stepping into a more demanding stage of the junior racing ladder.
Hitech’s decision to bring Micallef into its GB3 programme is another sign of the confidence being placed in him. The British team has built a strong reputation across the junior categories, competing in Formula 2, Formula 3 and GB3, and has regularly worked with drivers aiming to climb towards the top levels of international motorsport.
Micallef’s opportunity comes as Jin Nakamura steps away from the championship to focus fully on his FIA Formula 3 campaign, opening the door for the Maltese driver to be promoted to the next stage of single-seater racing.
Speaking after the announcement, Micallef said he was thrilled to join Hitech and described the move as an “unbelievable opportunity” so early in his single-seater career.
He added that flying the Maltese flag in GB3 means everything to him, saying he is determined to make his country proud.
Hitech GB3 team manager Phil Blow welcomed the signing, describing Micallef as a young and emerging talent who has already made a strong impression in Spanish F4.
Blow said the team believes this is the right chance for Micallef to show his potential at the next level, with Hitech looking forward to welcoming him in Budapest next month.
For Malta, this is more than another driver announcement. It is a significant moment for a country still pushing to gain greater visibility in international motorsport.
For Micallef, the challenge now is clear: learn quickly, adapt to the stronger GB3 field, and use the opportunity to continue a rise that is already attracting serious attention.
