Reigning British Formula 4 champions Hitech are gearing up to contest the Formula Winter Series for the first time. The Silverstone-based team will use the four-round championship in Spain and Portugal to give their drivers additional preparation and experience before they embark on their 2025 campaigns.
Hitech will enter four Formula 4-spec cars into Formula Winter Series, starting in Portimão this coming weekend. After joining the team for two races last year, Thomas Bearman remains with Hitech and will be joined by rookie Fionn McLaughlin, British F4 race winner Leo Robinson and F1 ACADEMY racer Nina Gademan.
The series begins in the Algarve at Portimão (January 30–February 2) and continues with rounds at Valencia (February 13–16), MotorLand Aragón (February 27–March 2), and the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (March 6–9). Each round features two test days and two race days, with two 20-minute qualifying sessions and three 30-minute sprint races.
The Formula Winter Series is comprised of the top teams from various Formula 4 championships across Europe and drivers compete in Tatuus-Abarth machinery. The trip to the Iberian peninsula provides Hitech’s young drivers with extra time behind the wheel ahead of a full assault on their respective campaigns in British F4 and F1 ACADEMY.
Leo Robinson: Eyeing the top step
After finishing last year on a high, 15-year-old Leo Robinson joins Hitech for the 2025 season. The British-based driver, who races under a licence from his maternal nation, Algeria, is eager to build on his strong end to 2024.
“I had three podiums at Brands Hatch at the final round of last year, so I’m looking forward to getting this season started,” said Leo. “We didn’t start well last year, but we improved a lot across the course of the campaign, and I’m aiming to hit the ground running this time.”
Leo says he is particularly excited to race on F1-grade circuits during the Winter Series. ”The tracks in Portugal and Spain, such as Portimão and Barcelona, are wide, flowing, and very different from the British circuits. I also tested at Aragón recently, and its long straight could produce plenty of overtaking.
“I’d love to get pre-season started with a strong result,” Leo said of his first-ever assault on the Formula Winter Season. “Last year, I kept improving, and by the final round, I was matching the pace of the front-runners. Winning silverware is my goal and I’ll work as hard as I can to achieve it.”
The Henley-on-Thames-based driver will be particularly hoping for a good result during the Aragón meeting, as he’ll celebrate his 16th birthday during the weekend.
Thomas Bearman: Building momentum
Fifteen-year-old Thomas Bearman, the younger brother of F1 driver Ollie Bearman, made his Formula 4 debut with Hitech in 2024 and is now preparing for his first full campaign in the category. Since his last competitive outing at Brands Hatch, Bearman has been testing at Silverstone, Donington Park, and several circuits in Spain and Portugal.
“Portimão is an amazing track to start the racing season,” said Thomas. “It’s unlike anything I’ve driven before, with some blind corner apexes that make it really fun. The last corner is just about flat-out in an F4 car, but it’s right on the edge.”
Reflecting on his development, the Chelmsford-based racer added, “When you step up from karting, time in the car is invaluable. I didn’t have much testing before my debut last year, but now I feel much more confident behind the wheel. The Winter Series will be a great opportunity to hone my race craft before the British F4 season begins.”
Fionn McLaughlin: Ready to make his mark
Rookie Fionn McLaughlin steps into single-seaters after an impressive karting career in which he finished fifth in the World Championship last year. The 17-year-old Irishman, a member of the Red Bull Junior Team, is eager to get his first Formula 4 campaign underway.
“I’m feeling positive about the Winter Series. It will be my first-ever F4 race start, and I’m ready for the challenge,” Fionn said. “Competing at the front in top-level karting last year gave me a lot of confidence, and I’ve been working hard with both Red Bull and Hitech in their simulators to help prepare for this transition.”
Fionn acknowledges the steep learning curve ahead as he adapts to new tracks and a slicks-and-wings formula car. “As a rookie, it’ll be tough experiencing many circuits for the first time, but that’s part of the journey. I’m excited to race on so many amazing tracks – and a few Formula 1 venues too. I think this year qualifying will be key, so I’ll need to get up to speed fast.
“I’ve been part of the Red Bull Junior Team for around six months now after a good season in karting and it’s great they want to support me throughout my career. Plus combined with Hitech – who are such a professional outfit with amazing people and facilities – I’m very happy with how things are progressing for my rookie season.”
Nina Gademan: Preparing for a full season in F1 ACADEMY
After spending last season racing in British F4, Nina made a wildcard entry in F1 ACADEMY at Zandvoort last season and will contest a full campaign in the all-female series for 2025 representing Alpine Formula One Team as a member of Alpine Academy.
Before taking part in F1 ACADEMY, Nina will contest the Formula Winter Series on the Iberian Peninsula to give her more preparation and experience for her upcoming campaign.
“I’m thrilled to be kicking off the Formula Winter Series with Hitech, starting this week at Portimão,” the 21-year-old Dutch racer commented. “It’s an incredible circuit, and I can’t wait to take on the challenges it presents.
“We’ve been working hard over the winter to prepare and I’m feeling confident heading into the season.”
The season gets underway this coming weekend at Portimão and fans can follow the action with live coverage available on YouTube.
