PREMA Racing announced that Louis Sharp will not see out the rest of the FIA Formula 3 season with the team.
The FIA Formula 3 season only has two rounds left, including a double Feature Race in Madrid. Despite the season nearing its conclusion, the PREMA team made a surprising announcement. The Italian outfit took to Instagram to announce that Louis Sharp is departing the team and will no longer be participating in the last two rounds.
PREMA Team Principal and CEO Stephen Mitas said: “Louis has been a pleasure to have in the team this year and a top talent.
“His qualifying pace and raw speed were consistently strong, and he brought great energy to everyone around him at PREMA. We understand and support his focus on 2027, and we look forward to following his progress.”
The driver himself also spoke about the decision, explaining that he is focused on finding ‘the right options’ for 2027. The season has been challenging for the young driver, from injuries to fruitless race weekends.
“I want to thank Stephen, Swampy and everyone at PREMA for the season we’ve had together. It’s been a challenging year results-wise and, with championship contention no longer realistic, and as a result, it makes sense to direct my focus towards securing the right options for 2027.” Sharp said of the decision.
“I’ve learnt a huge amount racing at this level, hold everyone in the team in high regard and I’m grateful for PREMA’s support of me and my family through this decision.”
As the championship battle ultimately lies between Ugo Ugochukwu and Freddie Slater, Sharp no longer deems it realistic to stay. The Kiwi was 17th in the Drivers’ Standings with 21 points.
Alex Powell to replace Sharp
Soon after the announcement that Sharp was leaving, PREMA announced his replacement. The 2024 Italian F4 Rookie Championship winner, Alex Powell, is set to take Sharp’s place in the last rounds.
While the American-Jamaican driver is currently racing in Eurocup 3, he will join the PREMA team for Formula 3. Powell is already familiar with the PREMA team, having been part of it in the Italian F4 Rookie Championship. Now, he makes the step to F3.
Speaking on Powell making his return to the team, Team Principal Mitas said: “We’re delighted to welcome Alex back to PREMA.
“He’s a driver we know well, and one who has already shown us what he can do in F4. His pace, racecraft and attitude make him a strong fit to contest the remainder of the season, and we’re looking forward to working together again.”
Powell made his own statement expressing his gratitude for the team.
“It means a lot to be coming back to PREMA. This team gave me my first opportunity in single-seaters, and returning for the final part of the F3 2026 season is a great opportunity to show what I can do. I can’t wait to get in the car, and I’ll give it everything.”
READ MORE: Ugo Ugochukwu ready for ‘good fight to the end’ as F3 reaches business end
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