Rodin Carlin confirms Francesco Simonazzi for remainder of the 2023 F3 season

Rodin Carlin have announced that Francesco Simonazzi will replace Maxwell Esterson in the #21 car for the reminder of the 2023 FIA Formula 3 season in the final two rounds at Spa-Francorchamps and Monza.

The Italian racer arrives in FIA Formula 3 having raced in the Euroformula Open Championship full-time in 2022 and 2023.

He finished 6th in the Drivers' Standings last season and the 19-year-old currently sits fourth with one win and a further four podiums.

Simonazzi began his single-seater career in 2019 racing in Italian F4, returning to the series for the following two seasons alongside a guest appearance in Spanish F4 in 2020.

"This is a great opportunity for me, although it has all come together incredibly quickly, I still can't quite believe it," he said. "However, it's a moment that all young racing drivers are working towards and I am determined to learn as much as I can as quickly as I can, while the best possible job for the team.

"Rodin Carlin has shown many times that it is an excellent place for a driver to start his Formula 3 career and intend to make the most of the opportunity."

Team Principal Trevor Carlin added: "We're delighted to give Francesco his first taste of Formula 3 this weekend. It's going to be a lot to take in on one of the longest and most challenging circuits in the sport, with changeable weather to take into account as well! But Francesco comes into the weekend with exactly the right attitude and I know he will do a great job both inside and outside the car with the team this weekend."

Round 9 in Spa-Francorchamps will get underway from 28-30 July.