Photo: Jakob Ebrey Photography
McKenzy Cresswell will continue with Elite Motorsport as he embarks on a third GB3 season in 2024.
The 17-year-old finished fourth in the standings with the team last year, bouncing back from a tough opening round to take a win and eight other podiums. It meant he remained in title contention until the final round.
He also joined PHM Racing by Charouz for the FIA Formula 3 Championship rounds at Red Bull Ring and Silverstone, taking a best finish of 17th.
Cresswell started his single-seater career in British Formula 4 in 2021, winning six times and coming third in the standings with JHR Developments. In his rookie GB3 season with Chris Dittmann Racing he came 11th, with a podium at Spa-Francorchamps being his best result.
“I must win the championship this season,” said Cresswell. “I’m staying with a great team, Elite Motorsport, and we’ve previously shown we can run at the front. With the exception of the first event at Oulton Park, we were on the pace last year.
“After the misfortune of the opening races, we were last in the championship so it became a ‘catch-up’ season. We improved at every round and I clawed back to fourth.
“Despite offers following my FIA F3 Championship debut at Silverstone and the Red Bull Ring last year, we simply didn’t have the budget to move up to F3 in 2024. I wanted to remain racing single-seaters in Europe so weighed up the options and returning to GB3 made the most sense. It is a cost-effective championship that is growing in popularity and exposure.”
Cresswell is Elite’s second GB3 signing for 2024, with Jarrod Waberski joining the team for his sophomore season.
“I’m very pleased and proud that McKenzy has chosen to remain in GB3 with Elite Motorsport,” said team owner Eddie Ives.
“McKenzy was super fast in 2023 and had it not been for an unlucky opening event last season, I’m fairly confident he would have been fighting for the overall title throughout the season. As a team we are working hard to improve various aspects of our excellent GB3 package.
“With the continuity of having McKenzy with us again this coming season, I’m confident this will provide a very strong 2024 GB3 campaign for us.”