County Derry racing sensation Fionn McLaughlin wins British F4 title

Fionn McLaughlin joins Red Bull Junior Driver Team (INPHO/Red Bull Content Pool/Joerg Mitter)

placeholder image — Fionn McLaughlin joins Red Bull Junior Driver Team (INPHO/Red Bull Content Pool/Joerg Mitter)

County Derry's Fionn McLaughlin has won the British F4 title.

The 17-year-old from Magherafelt headed into the final round of the season with a 61.5 point advantage after a superb campaign.

He finished second in Saturday's opening race at Brands Hatch behind nearest challenger Jimmy Piszcyk, which was enough to secure the title with two races to spare.

McLaughlin has five race wins and seven podiums in his first single-seater campaign, and took a moment in his car before celebrating with his team and family.

"I'm speechless, I don't have much to say," an emotional McLaughlin told ITV Sport.

"The team has done a great job all season and I'm so proud that we've done it.

"My family sacrifices a lot for me, it means a lot to all of us and I'm just proud."

The final two races of the season take place on Sunday at the Kent circuit and McLaughlin will look to help Hitech TGR secure the team title.