Racing Prodigy Iñigo Anton Set to Conquer Formula 4 Championship in Malaysia

The Philippines is revving up for a momentous occasion in the world of motorsports as 19-year-old speedster Iñigo Anton gears up for his Formula 4 debut with BlackArts Racing in the upcoming F4 South East Asia Series Championship. The announcement, made at the Manila Yacht Club, adds a new chapter to Anton’s already illustrious racing career and has the local racing community buzzing with excitement.

Iñigo Anton’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary, a saga that began at the tender age of eight when he clinched victory as a time attack champion. His innate talent and car control marked him as a prodigy, setting the stage for a remarkable trajectory in the racing world. The transition to karting showcased Anton’s adaptability, earning him accolades such as the 2015 Formula Cadet Philippine Novice Karter of the Year and the 2016 Formula Cadet Philippine National Karter of the Year.

His journey extended globally, with a podium finish in Macau during the 2015 Asian Karting Open Championships. By the age of eleven, Anton etched his name in history, becoming the youngest slalom and autocross champion racer, navigating challenging courses with speed, agility, and finesse. His dominance continued in the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Vios Cup, winning three consecutive championships and earning titles like the 2019 TGR Festival Autocross Overall Champion and the 2021 and 2022 TGR Vios Cup Super-Sporting Class Overall Champion.

Anton’s versatility and dominance further shone in the Radical Championship, where he consistently set lap records for Radical SR1 in the Clark International Speedway. His foray into Esports marked another milestone, as he became the first Filipino to compete in the Olympic Esports Week for Motorsports in Singapore, showcasing his ability to excel across different platforms.

The Anton family, known for their legacy in motorsports, expressed their pride in Iñigo’s achievements. Karen Navarrete Anton, Iñigo’s mother and manager, shared, “Inigo has been dreaming about driving formula cars since he was 6 years old, and it’s finally happening. More than his accomplishments, we are very proud of his determination and unwavering spirit to reach his goals.”

In 2020, Anton’s talent shone brightly at the 24 Hours Le Mans Virtual, finishing 4th overall with his teammates from Axle Sports, surpassing Formula 1 Superstar Max Verstappen and his team. Former F1 racer Alex Yoong, a key figure in Anton’s racing development, commended his talent, stating, “Inigo Anton is one of the most talented drivers I’ve worked with.”

As Anton embarks on his Formula 4 debut, key sponsors, including Motul Philippines Infiniteserv International and Time Master Watches, underscore the significance of this moment. Peter Yung, the Marketing Head for Motul Philippines, affirmed, “Motul Philippines recognizes Inigo’s incredible talents and unwavering commitment to Motorsports.”

Brian Poe Llamanzares, President of Time Master Watches, expressed his pride, saying, “I’m proud to be able to help promote my former teammate’s F4 debut! I have no doubt that Inigo will bring great pride to the Philippines.”

Reflecting on this journey, Anton expressed his gratitude to everyone who made this opportunity possible. “I feel like I’ve been preparing my whole life for this opportunity, and it’s finally happening! I am grateful for this chance to compete in Formula cars,” shared the young racer.

As the Filipino racing community rallies behind Iñigo Anton, his Formula 4 debut promises to be a thrilling chapter in the young racer’s already storied career, further solidifying his status as the “Fast Filipino” in the world of motorsports.