Hitech Pulse-Eight have announced that James Wharton will deputise for the suspended Martinius Stenshorne as Silverstone this weekend.

The 17-year-old Australian enjoyed a trophy-laden career in karting that started in 2011 before graduating to single seaters at the Italian F4 Championship in 2022.

Wharton then won the Formula 4 UAE Championship in 2023 and finish as the runner-up in the Euro 4 Series in the same year.

Currently, he is taking part in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine, and after four rounds he has two podium finishes and two Pole Positions to his name and is currently sixth in the Drivers’ Standings.

Speaking following the announcement of his Formula 3 debut with Hitech, Wharton could not hide his excitement ahead of jumping in the car at Silvestone.

“I can't thank Hitech Grand Prix enough for the opportunity and for trusting me to take the wheel this weekend at Silverstone,’ said James.

“This is the biggest opportunity I've had in my career so far. It's going to be a challenging weekend, but I can't wait to show what I can do.”

Hitech’s Formula 3 Team Manager Paul Bellringer also added: “We’re looking forward to having James in the car for this weekend and have been busy preparing him in the simulator. “It will be a challenging and exciting Formula 3 debut for him in equal measure.”