Promising South African teenager, Mika Abrahams, is the latest rising star to join the 2023 ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA.
The 14-year-old from Johannesburg has agreed a deal with Fortec Motorsport to line-up alongside the already-confirmed British driver James Higgins, as the Daventry-based squad makes a full-time return to the series. Not turning 15 until the end of May, Abrahams will join the ROKiT British F4 field from round four at Thruxton and is likely to be the youngest driver on the grid thereafter.
Abrahams arrives in Britain after four years of karting in South Africa and Italy and an impressive campaign in last year’s Danish F4. Denmark’s championship uses the first-generation Mygale chassis – rather than the latest generation Tatuus T-421 found on British grids – and is open to 14-year-olds. After winning the third race on his debut at the Sturup raceway in Sweden, he won again at Jyllandsringen. In total, he scored nine podiums from just 15 starts.
Abrahams has aspirations of making it all the way to F1. Should he succeed, he will be the first South African to do so since 1979 World Champion Jody Scheckter competed in the 1980 season. He would also be the first South African of colour to drive in F1.
Mika Abrahams
“I am grateful for this opportunity. Formula 1 and the World Championship title are definitely the main goals – and always will be. Entering the British F4 Championship is the next step on the ladder. Although I miss the first three rounds, it is my goal to get great results for myself and the team.”
Oliver Dutton, Fortec Team Principal
“We are extremely excited to have Mika join the Fortec family. After an impressive debut last season in the Danish Championship winning on his first race weekend, it’s apparent Mika is a quick learner. It’s going to be a steep learning curve but I’m confident we can work together to get Mika on the pace and showcase his natural talent. Missing the first three rounds due to age will take the pressure off Mika’s shoulders and allow him to concentrate on his development throughout the year.”
This year’s ten-event, 30-race season opens at Donington Park, Leicestershire on 22-23 April and includes a first-ever trip to the full Grand Prix circuit at Silverstone.
With seats filling up fast, further 2023 driver announcements will be made shortly as the days count down to what promises to be another world class championship, featuring the very best young talent from around the globe.
