From Karting to Formula 4 – The First Chapter of a Dream
Year after year, thousands of young drivers begin karting with the dream of one day driving a real single-seater race car. Only a few get the opportunity to turn that dream into reality. For Tamás Gender Junior, however, this journey began at the age of four, when he received his first kart—and it was immediately clear that this would be more than just a hobby.
Since then, every day has been dedicated to this goal. The experience gained in karting, years spent in international competition, and continuous development have all pointed in one direction: the next step was Formula racing.
The First Steps Towards Formula 4
During his WSK campaigns with VictoryLane, the possibility of moving up to Formula 4 had already begun to take shape. However, Tamás remained fully focused on racing. His motivation was outstanding throughout—at the Lonato round of the WSK Super Master Series, he secured 3rd place in qualifying and spent the entire weekend battling at the front, setting a strong pace.
Behind the scenes, preparation had already begun. The professional team at 321 Perform assessed his physical condition and came to a clear conclusion: he was ready for the next step.
“I always knew this was the next step, but hearing that I was ready for it was a special moment,” Tamás said.
Meeting R-ace GP
The first meeting with R-ace GP proved to be a defining moment from the very beginning. The environment, mindset, and professional structure provided exactly what a young driver needs to develop at the highest level. The smooth collaboration with the team was also greatly supported by Morgan Caron, who previously achieved major success as the manager of Charles Leclerc and is now guiding Tamás’s career.
The work together began in the simulator and soon continued on track, where Tamás completed his first kilometers in a Formula 4 car at the team’s test facility.
The first laps in a Formula car are always a major challenge. A Formula 4 car is a completely different world: more power, stronger braking forces, and more sensitive aerodynamics. However, Tamás adapted immediately, showing confidence from the very first moments and reaching competitive pace after just a few sessions.
As a result, he soon found himself among the top drivers during a test in Monza, where leading competitors from the Italian F4 and Euro 4 championships were preparing.
Learning at the Highest Level
The Monza test was followed by further sessions at Mugello, Imola, and Misano. Working within such a strong field, Tamás’s development became clearly visible as he gained a deeper understanding of the car and found his rhythm.
After the successful tests, a detailed evaluation process followed. At a team like R-ace GP, only the most talented and capable drivers are selected.
In the end, Tamás secured a place in the team’s F4 lineup for the winter season, alongside drivers such as Kenzo Craigieand Andy Consani—both part of the Mercedes F1 junior program led by Toto Wolff.
Debut in the Strongest Winter Championship
The 2026 season kicked off in January in Abu Dhabi, at the Yas Marina Circuit. The track was completely new to Tamás, but thanks to his strong adaptability, he quickly found his rhythm.
Initially, the focus was on fine-tuning the setup and managing race pace. In Formula 4, it’s not just about speed—drivers must also manage their tires effectively over race distance.
The opening weekend ran smoothly, allowing Tamás to collect valuable mileage and experience.
Challenges and Progress
The second round also took place in Abu Dhabi, this time on a modified layout. The technical section proved tricky for many drivers, but Tamás delivered a consistent performance and showed clear improvement compared to the previous weekend.
However, motorsport also revealed its toughest side: technical issues prevented him from starting two races. While this meant losing valuable track time, Tamás remained mentally strong, fully aware that such situations are part of the sport.
Dubai: Battles and Breakthrough
The Dubai round brought another challenge on a completely new circuit. In a record 39-car grid, Tamás made significant progress in single-lap pace and delivered impressive overtakes during the races.
His starts stood out in particular—he often gained 6–8 positions within the opening corners. The battles in the field provided crucial experience in racing larger, more aerodynamically sensitive cars compared to karts.
Qatar: When Everything Comes Together
The season finale took place in Qatar, where the results of his development became clearly visible. Daytime practice sessions and night races under floodlights created a unique atmosphere.
This was the weekend where everything came together. Tamás showed strong pace, getting closer to the front of the field and achieving his best qualifying and race results so far.
He delivered spectacular performances, gaining over 10 positions in a single race—marking a true breakthrough moment.
A Season That Builds Momentum
After the season ended, there was finally time to reflect. Amid constant travel, racing, and preparation, it is often difficult to see the bigger picture—but one thing was clear: his first full Formula 4 season had been successfully completed.
Positive feedback from R-ace GP further reinforced this.
The momentum didn’t stop there. Upon returning home, Tamás was back in the gym the very next day and spent long hours in the simulator, determined to maintain the progress he had built.
The Next Step
The goal remains unchanged: continuous development against the best young drivers in the world. The work continues, and new opportunities are already on the horizon.
There is no stopping—the next chapter is just within reach.
