The roar of engines and the scent of burning rubber signal the arrival of 19-year-old Filipino racing sensation, Iñigo Anton, onto the international stage as he gears up for his Formula 4 debut with BlackArts Racing in the upcoming F4 South East Asia Series Championship. The announcement, made at the Manila Yacht Club, sets the stage for a thrilling show at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia from December 1 to 3.
Iñigo Anton’s journey is full of triumphs and milestones, a narrative of unparalleled dedication and extraordinary skill that has spanned over a decade. From his victories at the tender age of eight to his recent championships, Anton’s ascent in the racing world is nothing short of legendary.
The racing prodigy started at an astounding eight years old, claiming victory as a time attack champion. His innate speed, precision, and mastery of the wheel marked him as a talent to look out for, hinting at the promising trajectory that lay ahead. Transitioning to karting, Anton’s adaptability shone through, earning him accolades such as the 2015 Formula Cadet Philippine Novice Karter of the Year and the 2016 Formula Cadet Philippine National Karter of the Year. His journey went global, with a podium finish in Macau during the 2015 Asian Karting Open Championships.
By the age of eleven, Anton had etched his name in racing history, becoming the youngest slalom and autocross champion racer. Navigating challenging courses with unparalleled speed and agility, Anton consistently claimed his spot on the podium. His dominance extended to the fiercely competitive Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Vios Cup, clinching three consecutive championships and prestigious titles such as the 2019 TGR Festival Autocross Overall Champion, 2021 Sporting Class Overall Champion, and 2022 TGR Vios Cup Super-Sporting Class Overall Champion. He was also named the 2022 Driver of the Year in Circuit Racing by the Automobile Association of the Philippines after a triumphant victory in the 2022 Philippine Grand Touring Championships.
In the Radical Championship, Anton set himself apart as the “Fastest Car Racer” in the Philippines, consistently setting lap records for Radical SR1 in the Clark International Speedway. Anton’s versatility was further underscored in Esports, where he became the first Filipino to compete in the Olympic Esports Week for Motorsports in Singapore. Competing against the top 10 Gran Turismo virtual racers globally, Anton’s achievement showcased his ability to excel across different platforms, solidifying his status as a well-rounded competitor.
The Anton family, synonymous with a legacy in motorsports, expressed their pride in Iñigo’s achievements. Karen Navarrete Anton, Iñigo’s mother and manager, shared, “Inigo has been dreaming about driving formula cars since he was 6 years old, and it’s finally happening. More than his accomplishments, we are very proud of his determination and unwavering spirit to reach his goals. We are thankful to all the sponsors, teams, family, and friends who have supported him. Their belief in his potential has brought him to where he is now.”
In 2020, Anton’s talent shone brightly at the 24 Hours Le Mans Virtual, one of the most prestigious virtual racing events globally. Anton, along with his teammates from Axle Sports, finished 4th overall, surpassing Formula 1 Superstar Max Verstappen and his team. Against a highly competitive field of drivers, Anton showcased remarkable skill and unwavering focus.
Former F1 racer Alex Yoong, a crucial figure in Anton’s racing development, shared his excitement, stating, “Inigo Anton is one of the most talented drivers I’ve worked with. From Gymkhana to representing the Philippines in Esports to winning in real-life circuit racing. I’m super excited to see if he can now succeed with single-seaters in the future. For now, it’s a big step with practically no testing except in the simulator, so it will be a huge learning curve for him. We will go easy and focus on getting the experience this round and building for the future.”
Peter Yung, the Marketing Head for Motul Philippines Infiniteserv International, a key sponsor in Inigo’s debut, affirmed, “Motul Philippines recognizes Inigo’s incredible talents and unwavering commitment to Motorsports, which aligns perfectly with the brand’s core values. Iñigo has been winning in all the racing championships he has joined here in the Philippines, and we believe that he is ready to conquer the international stage.”
Reflecting on his journey, Anton expressed gratitude to everyone who made this opportunity possible. “I feel like I’ve been preparing my whole life for this opportunity, and it’s finally happening! I am grateful for this chance to compete in Formula cars, and I owe it all to the people who have helped me along the way. My family, my coaches, my team’s sponsors and supporters, everyone has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this debut race possible. I will continue to do my very best for all of you,” shared the young racer.
Adding to the excitement, renowned watch brand Time Master Watches has come on board as a sponsor for Anton’s Formula 4 debut, further underlining the significance of this moment. Brian Poe Llamanzares, President of Time Master Watches, expressed his pride, sharing, “I’m proud to be able to help promote my former teammate’s F4 debut! I have no doubt that Inigo will bring great pride to the Philippines. He’s a fantastic brand ambassador for Time Master Watches. Our group of companies, including TMW, have been continuously supporting the future of sports in the Philippines.”
Iñigo Anton has carved a remarkable path in the car racing world. From dominating slalom and autocross to excelling in higher tiers of motorsport, Anton’s journey has been defined by unwavering dedication and sheer talent. His relentless drive and exceptional skills have earned him a well-deserved reputation as the “Fast Filipino.” As the Filipino racing community rallies behind Iñigo Anton, his Formula 4 debut promises to be a thrilling chapter in the young racer’s already storied career.