Cian Shields steps up to Formula 3 with Hitech Pulse-Eight for 2024

Hitech Pulse-Eight have become the fifth team to confirm their lineup, announcing that Cian Shields will be driving for them in the 2024 Formula 3 season.

The 18-year-old moves up to the third tier off the back of a successful campaign in the Euroformula Open Championship this year. He earned the Vice Champion title with four wins and 10 podiums to his name.

Shields got his first taste of the F3 car during the three post-season tests, earning the sixth-fastest time of the second day of running in Jerez. Speaking on the prospect of his rookie season, the Briton said he’s thrilled to take the next step forward in his racing journey

“I am excited to join Hitech in FIA F3 next year. It will be a new challenge for me, but one I am looking forward to. Having raced with the team in GB3 in 2022, I have every confidence that they will allow me to develop in my rookie season in the series. Looking forward to getting the season started in Bahrain!”

Shields’ karting career began in 2016, with him going on to achieve third in the IAME Winter Cup X30 Junior category two years later, before being crowned Champion in the IAME Series Benelux Junior category in 2019.

Graduating to single seaters in 2022, he competed in the GB3 Championship with Hitech. Finishing 13th in the Standings, he secured one victory and two podiums across the campaign and will now be reuniting with the British team to partner compatriot Luke Browning and fellow rookie Martinius Stenshorne next year.

Paul Bellringer, Hitech’s F3 Team Manager, added: “We are delighted to add Cian to our Formula 3 line-up for next season. We are confident in his ability, having raced with the team in GB3 last year and taking a win and podiums together. Here’s to a successful season ahead!”