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5 Young Drivers Under 21 Poised to Breakout in 2026

  • Writer: RCAP Staff
    RCAP Staff
  • 4 minutes ago
  • 3 min read

Every season seems to introduce a new wave of wonderkids, and 2026 is shaping up to be no different. The depth of young talent across different feeder and support series continues to grow, with drivers stepping into high-pressure environments at earlier ages than ever before. The young drivers listed are not seat fillers, they’re entering make-or-break seasons that could define their careers. And are set to have seasons to put them on the map.


The five young drivers we are listing have very different backgrounds and race across multiple disciplines and development ladders. 2026 will be very fun to watch.


Race cars speed down a track under a clear sky, surrounded by grandstands. Signs show "F3" and "Pirelli." The mood is intense and competitive.

Fionn McLaughlin (18) – Formula 3, Red Bull Junior Team


Young driver in racing gear holds trophy marking him as 2025 F4 British Champion. He's smiling and pointing, with a cloudy sky behind.

We first highlighted Fionn McLaughlin last summer in our look at future F1 prospects, and 2026 feels like a pivotal year for him. With much of the spotlight focused on Audi Academy driver Freddie Slater, McLaughlin enters the season with something to prove and plenty of pressure on his shoulders as part of the Red Bull Junior Team. And after winning the British F4 championship he can handle it.


Red Bull is notoriously demanding with its young drivers, but McLaughlin has shown great speed and racecraft to handle that environment. If he can manage expectations and deliver consistently, a genuine Formula 3 title push is not out of the question. It will be interesting to hear Red Bull's expectations for him this year. But for us a top 5 finish would be amazing.



Isabella Robusto (21) – NASCAR ARCA Menards Series, Toyota Development Driver


Racing driver in a white and blue Toyota suit with JBL and OMP logos stands focused in a racetrack setting, trees blurred in the background.

Another familiar name for our audience, Isabella Robusto heads into 2026 coming off her strongest ARCA season to date. This year feels critical as she looks to convince Toyota that she’s ready for an opportunity in the NASCAR Truck Series. So far she is still searching for her first ARCA win but she showed great consistency and growth in 2025.


Robusto has continued to diversify her racing schedule to stay sharp, a move that reflects her commitment to improvement. The biggest obstacle remains ARCA itself, where surviving avoiding back marker chaos can derail even the strongest runs. If she clears that hurdle, she’s one of the most compelling drivers to watch this season.


Josh Pierson (19) – Indy NXT


Josh Pierson was once viewed as a prodigy, competing in LMP2 and at Le Mans at just 16 years old and fast-tracked as a future IndyCar star. While his path hasn’t been as linear as originally expected, 2026 presents a major opportunity for a reset. And will be a great time to show the IndyCar world he's a top prospect and there's no need to sign old F1 drivers.



Race car driver in a blue suit with multiple sponsor logos, smiling in sunglasses. Sunlit setting with blurred background, casual mood.

Driving for Andretti in Indy NXT, Pierson enters the season with expectations of race wins and a serious championship push. A breakout year could put him right back into the IndyCar conversation for 2027, where his early promise could finally translate into a top-level seat.


Brian Uriarte (17) – Moto3, KTM


Motorcyclist in racing gear holds a "Winner" sign, smiling beside a blue bike with number 51. Black background, vibrant colors.

Brian Uriarte is coming off a massive 2025, capturing both the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and the FIM JuniorGP World Championship. That success has carried him into a full-time Moto3 ride, following four promising appearances last season by the Spaniard.


At just 17, expectations are understandably measured, but the talent is obvious. A top-10 championship finish would already mark an excellent rookie campaign, and KTM appears content to let this season serve as a learning year. Still, don’t be surprised if Uriarte exceeds those expectations sooner rather than later.



Taito Kato (18) – Formula 3, Honda Formula Dream Project


Racer in black and red uniform stands focused, surrounded by blurred figures in a paddock area. Logos include Honda, ART, and Pirelli.

Taito Kato has quietly climbed to the European single-seater ladder, and his progression suggests there’s more to come. In 2024, his first year in cars, Kato won the French F4 Championship and immediately established himself as a serious prospect.


Now entering Formula 3 full-time in 2026, Kato faces a deeper and more competitive field than usual. A top-six championship finish would be a strong result and could quickly elevate him into longer-term F1 discussions as a Honda-backed driver to monitor over the next five years.

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