Ernesto
Rivera

Mexico

Formula 3

Date of birth	30 November 2008
Place of birth	Mexico City
Age	17
Nationality	Mexico
Discipline	Formula 3

2026
- 7th Overall FIA Formula 3 Drivers Championship
- 7th Italian GP Sprint Race
  Monza
- 6th Hungarian GP Feature Race
  Budapest
- 3rd Hungarian GP Sprint Race
  Budapest
- 1st Austrian GP Sprint Race
  Red Bull Ring
- 1st Belgium GP Feature Race
  Spa-Francorchamps
2025
- 4th Eurocup-3 - Race 2
  Barcelona
- 4th Eurocup-3 - Race 1
  Barcelona
- 3rd Eurocup-3 - Race 2
  Jerez
- 4th Eurocup-3 - Race 1
  Jerez
- 1st Eurocup-3 - Race 2
  Spa-Francorchamps
- 1st Eurocup-3 - Race 1
  Monza
- 4th Eurocup-3 - Race 2
  Paul Ricard
- 1st Eurocup-3 - Race 2
  Portimão (Algarve)
- 3rd Eurocup-3 - Race 1
  Red Bull Ring
- 5th Eurocup-3 Winter Series - Race 2
  Aragon
- 5th Eurocup-3 Winter Series - Race 1
  Aragon
2024
- 5th Spanish F4 Overall
  Race winner in Portimao and 3 more podiums

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.

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.

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.

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.

2026 Season

Rivera made the step up to the FIA Formula 3 Championship, once again with Campos Racing for a third consecutive year together. His campaign got off to a difficult start, as a back injury sustained in an accident during the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy forced him to sit out the season-opening Melbourne round.

Once back on track, Rivera quickly found his rhythm, delivering two Feature Race victories at the Red Bull Ring and Spa-Francorchamps. His consistent scoring kept him in the thick of the title fight for much of the season, holding as high as third in the standings heading into the Madrid finale. He ultimately closed out his rookie F3 year 7th in the Drivers' Championship on 87 points.

Outlook

Ernesto Rivera's rookie campaign in FIA Formula 3 has positioned him as one of the series' promising young talents heading into 2027. With his contract situation for next season yet to be finalized, further details on his future plans will follow later in the year.