FIA F3: Kari Out, Stanek In at Charouz

Niko Kari has lost his FIA Formula 3 drive with Charouz Racing System, and will be replaced by Roman Stanek.

Fin Kari was dropped by Red Bull after just 1 year in 2017, and was due to compete in his 4th season of F3/GP3. He made 2 F2 appearances in the final rounds of the 2018 season, but returned to F3 for 2019.

Stanek was due to compete in the Formula Regional European Championship with Prema this year, but was replaced by W Series champion Jamie Chadwick last minute.

The 16 year old becomes the youngest driver on the F3 grid.

Team boss Antonin Charouz said, "We sense that he is very talented and it would be a waste for him to drive anywhere else.

“I know it’s an unusual step to put Roman into the Formula 3 car after only one year in the junior series. On the other hand, it is not the first time. Previous young drivers received a similar chance already and they used it wisely.

"We all know that Roman has 'it'. He knows what to do, so there is no reason for him to not make it in F3.”