P2 to finish off a challenging Round 1 at Silverstone GP Circuit for the GB3 Championship! A new car, a new team and a technical and challenging (and legendary!) circuit, but we only improved across the two qualifying sessions and three races over the weekend, always going forward as a result of some great work by the team and all the drivers.

Qualifying 1 saw the car a bit out of the window and some traffic, a P11 result in a close contest. Qualifying 2 again saw some traffic, but with the car feeling better the end result was P7. For Race 1 – it was fantastic to once again be on the starting grid – there is nothing like that first lap adrenaline and the aero tow in a pack of the new generation GB3 cars was awesome. Race 1 on Saturday afternoon saw close and exciting racing: a P11 result after losing a place at the start as we went three wide into the first series of corners on lap 1, regaining that and finishing P11. Race 2 on Saturday morning saw an improved result with a P7 finish, after some tight battles and being pushed to have two wheels on the grass on lap 1 at 230kmh+.

Race 3 saw further improvement in the car and in the results with an ultimate P2 – lots of close racing and luckily avoiding some of the carnage behind me. Overall we ended on a really positive note – despite the early challenges in practice and qualifying the team pulled together under pressure (not apart) and showed that focus and consistent effort will achieve – thanks to the guys and girls at Xcel Motorsport and my mentor David Brabham for all the hard work and support. So good to be able to give the team their first piece of silverware in British GB3. Next stop is the historic F1 circuit at Zandvoort, expect high downforce, banked corners and exciting racing. You can watch last weekend’s races (car no. 5) at https://lnkd.in/gaiB_wck

About the GB3 Championship

For more information on the GB3 Championship: https://www.gb-3.net

About Patrick Heuzenroeder

Patrick is a 19 year old Australian racing driver currently racing the British GB3 Championship after finishing 4th in the 2025 Toyota Formula Regional Championship in New Zealand and competing in 2024 in the British formula 3 series, GB3.  Patrick is mentored by ex-F1 driver and 3x winner of Le Mans 24 Hour, David, Brabham, son of Sir Jack Brabham 3x F1 World Champion.

Patrick embarked on his motorsport career at 13-years-old after a chance visit to Sydney’s Eastern Creek go-kart circuit ignited his passion for racing.  After kart racing in Australia for the following three years, Patrick made the jump to cars and circuit racing, competing in the 2022 NSW Formula Ford Championship where he was third overall in the standings before departing for the UK after his skill was recognised by Ferrari when Patrick earned a top six finals place from 24 competitors in the 2022 Ferrari Driver Academy Asia Pacific trials.

​

27th February 2025

Brabham Group is proud to announce it will continue its mentorship and support of talented Aussie racing driver Pat Heuzenroeder as he sets his sights on winning this year’s British GB3 Championship.

Brabham noted that the teenage Australian has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, determination, and dedication, making him a formidable competitor on track and a rising star in motorsport. Most recently in the Formula Regional Oceania Championship in New Zealand Heuzenroeder has showed he can compete with the best from Formula 2, Formula 3, IndyNXT and V8 Supercars, finishing in fourth place in the Championship with nine top 5 finishes and four podiums including a dominant pole and win on the weekend of the New Zealand Grand Prix.

Brabham Group founder, David Brabham, shared his enthusiasm for working with Pat:
“I have really enjoyed mentoring Pat over the past 12 months, and after a successful winter series in New Zealand, I’m excited to see him carry this strong form into the GB3 Championship. At Brabham, we believe in nurturing talent and providing the right guidance to help drivers reach their full potential. Pat has all the qualities needed to achieve great things, and we look forward to continuing to support his journey toward success.”

Pat Heuzenroeder also expressed his appreciation for Brabham Group’s ongoing mentorship:
“I am very pleased to be working with David and the Brabham team again this year. We built a solid foundation last year which was the springboard for a very successful winter series in New Zealand. I’m excited to take this level of performance and confidence into the GB3 Championship this year and to see what we can achieve!”

The GB3 Championship is the leading single seater championship in the United Kingdom and with four of the eight rounds in 2025 to be hosted at European F1 circuits: Spa, Monza, Zandvoort and Hungaroring, and a further two rounds at Silverstone, and one each at the legendary Brands Hatch and Donington former F1 circuits, it is well established as one of Europe’s leading feeder series to Formula 1.

For more information or for interviews contact:
David Brabham – david@brabham.co.uk
Pat Heuzenroeder – pat@patheuzenroeder.com

**David Brabham and Pat Heuzenroeder will be at the Australian F1 Grand Prix and available for extended interviews if of interest.

Highlands Motorsport Park, Cromwell NZ
11th February 2025

Heuzenroeder finishes successful CTFROC campaign as he dominates NZ Grand Prix weekend, opening with pole position and lights to flag win. What a weekend the final round of the CTFROC Championship at Highlands Motorsport Park was for Heuzenroeder with a pole position and race win to top off a highly successful campaign which saw him consistently improve to the point where he was outpacing the Championship leader in the final round.

After five weeks of racing Heuzenroeder has firmly put his name on the world stage, showing incredible race craft with some fantastic battles with highly experienced Formula 2, Formula 3 , Indy NXT and Supercar drivers. The statistics are impressive: across 5 rounds, 15 races, 11 qualifying sessions and over 3,500km in the seat he finished 4th in the Championship, securing 2nd place in the Trans-Tasman Drivers Championship, took 4 podiums, finished in the top 5 in 9 out of the 13 races completed, and made over 35 on track passes in a Championship known for the difficulty in passing.

For the Grand Prix weekend, the young Australian showed impressive pace from the beginning and as a genuine contender for the 69th New Zealand Grand Prix, with official practice on Friday seeing him fastest overall with P1 and P2 around the challenging 4.1km Grand Prix track, and Race 1 pole position.

With the New Zealand Grand Prix taking place on the Sunday, Saturday’s qualifying session looked a little different. The first time in a Grand Prix knockout qualifying for the rising star, he topped the times in Q1, putting the number 5 on pole position for Race 1, ahead of Red Bull Junior and Formula 2 driver, Arvid Lindblad. For the second session, he put it P2 (only off by 0.003) progressing to the top 8 final qualifying session. Despite having to use an old tyre because of a puncture due to track debris in Q1, in the final qualifying Patrick certainly drew eyes to his talent, qualifying P3, a mere 0.18 seconds off pole, making it an Australian 1-2-3 behind Australian super car champion and vice-champion, Will Brown and Broc Feeney. An impressive qualifying session putting him the fastest of the drivers climbing the single seater ladder.

Saturday afternoon in Race 1, Heuzenroeder got a stellar start and with the jump on Lindblad, the field settled down and the polesitter had a clear road ahead. Never really challenged, by race end Heuzenroeder stretched his lead to a dominating 6.6 seconds, crossing the line to grab his first win after what was described as a world class drive.

Sunday morning’s reverse grid race 2, saw trouble for Heuzenroeder when after a mega start moving from P8 to challenge for P4, he was hit from behind forcing his first DNF of the season. At that stage sitting only a few points behind 2nd and 3rd in the Championship, this was compounded when he was handed a 3 grid place penalty for the Grand Prix after what numerous commentators and other drivers involved had described as being a first lap racing incident.

After a great effort from the team to repair Heuzenroeder’s car, he lined up P6 for the New Zealand Grand Prix. With the processional nature of the racing at this track meaning progress was always going to be difficult, after an initial safety car period, the slightest tap of a rear wheel after an unexpected snap of oversteer (possibly related to the Race 2 crash) on the ever-looming walls forced what was only his second retirement of the Championship.

A disappointing end after an incredible start to the final round, Heuzenroeder managed to cement his 4thposition overall in the championship, an outstanding result considering how damaging a DNF is in this championship and the initial qualifying mechanical issue which had occurred back at the start of the series which had set back his points chase right from Round 1.
Overall, an excellent Championship performance, giving Heuzenroeder enormous confidence as his focus now turns to the main game of European racing which will see him spearhead the Xcel Motorsport campaign in the GB3 Championship, the UK’s leading single seater championship, at tracks across Europe.

​Feb 4, 2025

Australian Patrick Heuzenroeder to spearhead Xcel Motorsport’s inaugural GB3 Championship campaign. The 19-year-old will join Xcel Motorsport as it seeks to build on its years of success in the UAE and its British F4 campaign in 2024. With Heuzenroeder having demonstrated his potential in last year’s GB3 Championship scoring a podium and multiple top 5 finishes, the team is looking to him to bring his prior experience in the Championship and tracks to their 2025 tilt.

Heuzenroeder is currently competing in the New Zealand Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship (formerly the Tasman Series) where he has been grabbing attention with his impressive pace and his passing ability in a series and car known for the difficulty in overtaking. In one of the most competitive fields the Oceanic series has seen. Despite a mechanical issue affecting the first qualifying of the Championship, he is currently in 4th place with eight top 5 finishes (including three podiums) out of the twelve races so far, which should see him hit the ground running for his GB3 campaign in 2025.

The GB3 Championship is the leading single seater championship in the United Kingdom and with four of the eight rounds in 2025 to be hosted at European F1 circuits: Spa, Monza, Zandvoort and Hungaroring, and a further two rounds at Silverstone, and one each at the legendary Brands Hatch and Donington former F1 circuits, it is well established as one of Europe’s leading feeder series to Formula 1. The series is also launching a new Tatuus MSV GB3-025 car for the 2025 season and beyond. With a completely revised chassis and F1-inspired aerodynamics comprising the most advanced aerodynamics package ever at this level, modelled to add 35% more downforce at the same drag level compared to the current GB3 car, the package also includes DRS for the first time, along with industry leading safety standards and a new Mountune engine producing 280bhp, up from 250bhp with the current GB3 car.

The 19-year-old’s experience, having also raced in British F4, and Formula Ford in his homeland, will be a strong asset for the UAE-based Xcel Motorsport squad, which is preparing for its GB3 debut this year. With a strong team recruited at Xcel to be fully behind Heuzenroeder and the continued support of his mentor, former F1 driver and 3x Le Mans Winner, David Brabham, the team and driver are confident of running at the front of the field and vying for the Championship.

Heuzenroeder said: “I’m very excited to be joining Xcel Motorsport in my 2025 GB3 campaign. I think we’ve got a great team, full of experience, and hungry to win. I can’t wait to get the season started in April.”

Xcel Motorsport Team Manager Gary Bonnor said: “We’re absolutely delighted to having been able to secure Patrick for the team and welcome him to Xcel Motorsport for our inaugural GB3 season. Patrick’s experience will be invaluable as we hit the ground running in 2025.

“His performance last season and what he has been doing in the Formula Regional Oceania Championship over the winter shows he has what it takes to compete at the sharp end of the grid, and we’re committed to providing him with all the tools and support he needs to achieve even greater success this year. We’re excited to see what we can accomplish together.”

Teretonga Park, Invercargill, New Zealand
Feb 4, 2025

Another strong weekend for Heuzenroeder at Round 4 of the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship, moving up in the championship.

Australian Patrick Heuzenroeder again showcased his racing ability with yet another strong weekend in Round of 4 of the CTFROC at Teretonga Park Invercargill, the world’s most southern FIA® recognised racing circuit. He delivered a podium and two 4thpositions after his most consistent qualifying performances yet and some well executed and assertive first lap moves on the historic track.

An old school sub-1 minute lap time track, with very limited passing opportunities, again signified how important qualifying is with passing so difficult. Heuzenroeder, currently leading the overall overtakes for the season, qualified P4 on Saturday morning. After a strong start and consistent race pace, the race ended under red flag but a P4 cemented his move into 4th place in the championship.

In Sunday morning’s qualifying Heuzenroeder felt he could have delivered more after being held up by a slower car, only able to achieve P5. Starting P5 in the reverse grid Race 2, a cracking start and assertive driving saw him progress to P3 in the first two corners. Gapping the cars behind him he was chasing the top 2, before two safety car interventions and restarts saw him finish P4.

In the feature race later that afternoon, Heuzenroeder lined up P5, whilst starting on the racing line a bold outside move around turn 1 saw him move into P4, before the race was red flagged. After a rolling start to recommence the race, Heuzenroeder continued to the chequered flag finishing P4.

A strong weekend again demonstrating his pace and race craft, Heuzenroeder continues to make a name for himself in the series, with eight top 5 finishes out of the 12 races to date, including three podiums.

The New Zealand Grand Prix round next weekend at Highlands Motorsport will again see the chance to battle some of the top names from the Australian Supercars Championship, with 2024 Champion Will Brown re-entering the series and Broc Feeney to make his debut.

Heuzenroeder is 4th in championship, and hoping for a solid final weekend in the hunt for a top 3 finish overall.

Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon, New Zealand
27th January 2025

​Heuzenroeder impresses again with two podiums in rain soaked Round 3 of the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship. Young Australian racing driver Patrick Heuzenroeder delivered another demonstration of his racing talent in Round 3 of CTFROC at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon delivering two podiums and some stunning overtakes amid challenging conditions. A pivotal weekend in his Oceanic campaign, and now with nearly 30 on track passes under his belt this season (in a car known for its difficulty in passing) the Australian is one to watch as they head to the South Island for Round 4 at Teretonga Park, Invercargill on 30 January.

After being in the top 5 across official practice on Friday, Heuzenroeder was slightly disappointed with a P6 in Qualifying 1, but in a field that saw the top 14 covered by 0.443 of a second, it demonstrates just how competitive the field is.

In Race 1, Heuzenroeder again demonstrated what a great starter he is, moving quickly to P4, and enjoying some great racing with fellow Aussie and Formula 3 driver, Tommy Smith, over the next lap (motorsport.tv), ultimately finishing on track in P4. This was later promoted to P3 after a penalty for team mate Pierson, marking Heuzenroeder’s first podium of the season.

Sunday morning was another qualifying chance for Heuzenroeder, this time in very wet conditions. With none of the drivers having experienced wet weather yet this season, he again he showed his capabilities achieving his best qualifying result so far – P4.

The top 8 reverse grid Race 2 provided interesting weather conditions, leaving the teams to make a gamble on the correct tyre choice. Heuzenroeder, one of only a few drivers to take the chance on slicks started P6, but rapidly dropped back to 14th after getting pushed wide when overtaking. The gamble then seemed to be paying off as the track dried and he had recovered to P11 with consistent fast laps before a safety car intervention and more rain. A smart tactical decision saw Heuzenroeder make a pit stop to change to wet tyres, with huge credit to the team for the speedy stop, leaving him at the tail of the remaining field in P15 for the restart. On the restart he showed his immense talent, moving up the field from P15 to P8 in a matter of 3 laps, then making up over a second to catch Tommy Smith, only finishing behind him by in P8 by a mere 0.2 of a second. After a penalty for a car further up the field this was promoted to P7.

Sunday afternoon Heuzenroeder lined up P4 for the Dan Higgins Trophy race. Pouring rain and a saturated track saw a safety car start with the race red flagged 5 laps in due to the worsening conditions without going green. With clearing conditions another start behind the safety car finally saw a green flag, but another safety car again delayed proceedings. After the restart which saw the top 4 quickly gap the rest of the field, Heuzenroeder deftly passed Manson for P3 on lap 14 holding that position comfortably for the remainder of the race, but with an aggressive wet set up on a now drying track without the pace to chase down the leading two. A long-awaited and well-deserved 3rd place podium saw him enjoy his second piece of silverware for the weekend.

For an ever-improving Patrick Heuzenroeder, still recovering points-wise from the disappointing mechanical issue in qualifying in Round 1 which saw him placed 8th after that weekend, the weekend at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon has again improved his position in the championship, now only two points off 4th place overall, showing what a consistent and adaptable driver the young Australian is.

Heuzenroeder said: “Its obviously great to be on the podium this weekend and with two third places I feel like I’m really in the hunt now. It was a great track and I love to race in the rain, the car felt good and I was really happy with my racing, particularly the recovery drive in Race 2 to make up 7 spots that quickly. Everyone says Teretonga is a real drivers’ track so I can’t wait to get down there.”

About Patrick Heuzenroeder
Patrick embarked on his motorsport career at 13-years-old after a chance visit to Sydney’s Eastern Creek go-kart circuit ignited his passion for racing.

After kart racing in Australia for the following three years, Patrick made the jump to cars and circuit racing, competing in the 2022 NSW Formula Ford Championship where he was third overall in the standings before departing for the UK after his skill was recognised by Ferrari when Patrick earned a top six finals place from 24 competitors in the 2022 Ferrari Driver Academy Asia Pacific trials.

2023 brought a season in British Formula 4 where the highlight of multiple top ten finishes in a competitive field of more than 20 drivers was an impressive third place at the demanding Snetterton track in Norfolk. For 2024 he moved up a gear and into GB3, Britain’s top single seater series, where he once again established himself as a regular points scorer and top five finisher. Another podium finish in third at the annual ‘away’ round at the Zandvoort Grand Prix circuit helped him to an impressive 12th overall from more than 30 drivers.