Ernesto
Rivera
Mexico
·
Formula 3
Date of birth | 30 November 2008 |
|---|---|
Place of birth | Mexico City |
Age | 17 |
Nationality | Mexico |
Disciplines | Formula 3 |
- 2025
- 4th Eurocup-3 - Race 2Barcelona
- 4th Eurocup-3 - Race 1Barcelona
- 3rd Eurocup-3 - Race 2Jerez
- 4th Eurocup-3 - Race 1Jerez
- 1st Eurocup-3 - Race 2Spa-Francorchamps
- 1st Eurocup-3 - Race 1Monza
- 4th Eurocup-3 - Race 2Paul Ricard
- 1st Eurocup-3 - Race 2Portimão (Algarve)
- 3rd Eurocup-3 - Race 1Red Bull Ring
- 5th Eurocup-3 Winter Series - Race 2Aragon
- 5th Eurocup-3 Winter Series - Race 1Aragon
- 2024
- 5th Spanish F4 OverallRace winner in Portimao and 3 more podiums
01
About
Ernesto Rivera is a Mexican racing driver who joined the Red Bull Junior Team in fall 2024. He is best known for his dominant run in U.S. karting, where he secured an unprecedented three titles at the prestigious SKUSA SuperNationals over 2022 and 2023. His commanding karting performance led to his transition into European single-seater competition.
02
Early Carrer
Rivera’s racing career began in Mexico around 2021 when he was approximately 12 years old. Starting at this age is considered a late entry for drivers aiming for the top tiers of professional motorsport, yet he quickly proved his potential. He first competed in the Formula Karts Mexico and SKUSA Mexico programs, and his career quickly gained international notice through his successes in the competitive U.S. karting scene. He cemented his reputation at the prestigious SKUSA SuperNationals by capturing the X30 Junior title in 2022. His domination continued in 2023, where he achieved a rare double triumph at the same event, winning both the X30 Junior and KA100 Senior categories. That year, he also secured a runner-up finish in the Senior Max class at the Rotax US Trophy.
03
2024 Season
Rivera launched his single-seater career by tackling both the Formula Winter Series and the F4 Spanish Championship with Griffin Core by Campos Racing. His rapid adaptation was recognized mid-season, leading to his invitation to join the Red Bull Junior Team in fall 2024. In the main Spanish F4 campaign, he finished his rookie year ranked 5th overall in the Drivers’ Standings, competing in 21 races. A key highlight was his standout performance at Portimão, where he secured his maiden single-seater victory. This win was complemented by three additional podium finishes, demonstrating his rapid adaptation and consistency, as he scored championship points in 15 of the 21 races.
04
2025 Season
Rivera undertook a comprehensive two-series development program in 2025. He began his year competing in the Formula Regional Middle East Championship, where he secured one podium and finished 9th overall against a highly experienced field.
He then moved to his primary focus, a full-time campaign in the Eurocup-3 series with Campos Racing. Rivera had a highly successful season, finishing 4th overall in the Drivers' Standings after 18 races. His performance included three victories and a total of seven podium finishes, with two poles. A key highlight was his strong pace early in the year, which saw him temporarily take the championship lead mid-season, showcasing his immediate competitiveness in his Rookie Eurocup-3 season.
05
Outlook
Ernesto Rivera’s consistent progression has secured him a significant step up to the FIA Formula 3 Championship (FIA F3) for the 2026 season. He will continue his successful partnership with Campos Racing, marking his third consecutive year with the Spanish squad across three different single-seater categories. Both Rivera and the team principal, Adrián Campos Jr., have expressed strong confidence in his readiness for the highly competitive championship, citing his maturity and consistency as key strengths for his rookie F3 campaign.