Neu-Isenburg/Germany, 16th August 2018 – A 16-year-old Max Verstappen ended 2014 in third place in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship on Hankook race tyres. One year later, he made his Formula 1 debut as the first driver under 18 years of age to do so. In 2016, the Dutchman won the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, making him the youngest winner in the history of the pinnacle of international motor racing.

Esteban Ocon competed against Verstappen in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship and was actually even more successful, being crowned F3 champion and the season’s top rookie. The Frenchman switched to Formula 1 in 2016, since when he has established himself as a permanent fixture. The Hankook race tyre helped Ocon make the step up to Formula 1. “The big strength of the Hankook race tyre is its consistency. You can push and attack throughout the entire distance without having to worry about the performance of the tyres. This allows you to concentrate on your race and gain experience,” says the 21-year-old, describing his experiences with the premium tyre maker’s Ventus Race.

2016 FIA Formula 3 European Champion, Lance Stroll, also switched straight to Formula 1 and was regarded as the best-prepared debutant. “A large part of my success is down to Hankook,” said the Canadian after his triumph in the junior Formula series. “I contested more than 60 races on the Hankook race tyre in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship, and never had a puncture or any issues. The tyres were invariably quick and very consistent. I am very grateful to Hankook.”

The latest candidate for a Formula 1 seat is Marcus Armstrong, who leads the overall standings in this season’s FIA Formula 3 European Championship. Like his colleagues, the New Zealander is learning a lot about the car, but also the tyres. “I have learned a lot with and from the Hankook tyre, including the fact that it is not so easy to get the absolute maximum out of a tyre. However, we have achieved that perfectly so far. The Hankook race tyre is very consistent, easy to manage, and suffers virtually no wear. You can drive a lot of laps on it, and it is always consistently quick. That really helps me, as it allows me to concentrate fully on my race and the opposition. This experience is very important, as my goal is Formula 1,” said the kiwi, full of praise.

Manfred Sandbichler, Hankook Motorsport Director Europe: “The standard in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship is incredibly high. The teams and drivers are utterly professional. As such, it is nice to see how many youngsters use the junior Formula series as a springboard straight into Formula 1, where they also go on to impress. We are happy to accompany these talented young drivers on their way, and to help them to a successful motorsport career with our know-how and premium race tyres.”