Photo: Jakob Ebrey Photography
Hillspeed has made former Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 junior Daniel Guinchard its first GB4 signing for 2025.
Guinchard has not raced cars since budget issues ended his 2023 British Formula 4 campaign early, despite taking part in GB3’s pre-season testing with Hillspeed earlier this year.
The 18-year-old enjoyed a highly-decorated karting career with Argenti prior to moving into single-seaters, which led to him joining Mercedes. He was twice British junior karting champion as well as claiming the Ultimate Karting Championship, the British Kartmasters Grand Prix on Rotax Junior karts and the British championship for X30 Junior karts.
He continued with Argenti for the transition to British F4 in 2022, taking one victory, five other podiums and ninth in the standings and also contested that year’s Spanish F4 finale. After losing his Mercedes backing, he switched to Chris Dittmann Racing in British F4 last year and was sitting 10th in the standings with three podiums when his season was cut short with four rounds remaining.
“I’m very happy to be racing with Hillspeed next season in GB4 and delighted we’ve agreed a deal this side of Christmas,” said Guinchard. “I’m really looking forward to working with the guys at the team, we got on very well when I tested with Hillspeed previously, and I can’t wait now to drive the 2025 specification GB4 car.
“When I drove the car as it was in GB3 it was outstanding, a real pleasure to drive and a car with great performance, so I’m looking forward to a good season – it’s great to be back in cars for next year.”
Hillspeed is planning to run three cars for its GB4 return next year, having taken two victories in the championship’s inaugural season in 2022.
“Dan tested with us in the GB3 car during the pre-season for last season and it went very well indeed, but because it was quite late in the day he wasn’t able to put the budget together for GB3,” said Hillspeed’s team principal Richard Ollerenshaw. “We were impressed with his performances and we quickly developed a great relationship, and now Dan wants to reset and kickstart his racing career in cars.
“With the introduction of the outgoing GB3 car into GB4, we all felt the GB4 Championship will be the perfect place for him to move forward and begin developing his career in cars again– so we’ve quickly put pen to paper for 2025. We’re delighted to close this deal with Dan and very much looking forward to working with him next year.”
Fox Motorsport has also announced its first GB4 driver for 2025, with Holly Miall remaining with the team after two years in Ginetta Junior, finishing 15th in the standings 2022 and 21st this year.