Kanato Le returns to Hitech to complete 2027 FIA F3 line-up
Driver Announcement - FIA Formula 3
Hitech is pleased to announce the return of Japanese racer Kanato Le for the 2027 FIA Formula 3 Championship, completing the team’s three-driver line-up for next season.
The 19-year-old rejoins Hitech following his debut FIA F3 campaign in 2026 with another team, bringing valuable experience of the championship alongside a long-standing relationship with the British team.
Kanato first raced with Hitech in the 2023 F4 British Championship, securing two victories and four podium finishes on his way to seventh in the standings. Since then, he has gained experience across Formula Regional competition in Europe, the Middle East and Oceania, as well as GB3 and FIA Formula 3.
He reunited with Hitech at the beginning of 2026 for the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy, taking a victory and six podium finishes on his way to sixth in the championship.
His first FIA Formula 3 season saw him secure a maiden podium with second place in the Sprint Race at the Hungaroring. He also qualified on the front row for the Feature Race at Monza, where he finished fifth.
More recently, Kanato returned to Hitech for the penultimate round of the 2026 GB3 Championship at Brands Hatch in September, having already completed his FIA F3 campaign. He made an immediate impression on his return, finishing fourth in the opening race before securing a podium with third place in Race 3.
The Japanese driver now returns to FIA Formula 3 with a season of experience behind him and an established working relationship with Hitech, completing the team’s 2027 line-up.
Kanato Le:
“I am really looking forward to racing with Hitech in FIA Formula 3 for the 2027 season. It’s a team I know very well after racing with them in British F4 and CTFROC, and I am excited to be part of the team again.”
“I am confident that we will have a strong season together. I would also like to thank everyone for the continued support.”
Paul Bellringer, Hitech’s FIA Formula 3 Team Manager:
“We’re delighted to welcome Kanato back to Hitech and complete our FIA Formula 3 line-up for 2027. Kanato is a driver we know very well, having worked with him at different stages of his career. He’s always had good natural speed and racecraft, and it’s been rewarding to see him gain experience and develop over the last few seasons.”
Paul continued:
“His first year in FIA Formula 3 has given him a much better understanding of the demands of the championship, and he showed what he is capable of with his podium in Hungary and strong qualifying performance at Monza.
“It was also great to have him back racing with us at Brands Hatch recently. He settled straight back in and delivered another podium, which says a lot about his ability to adapt and get up to speed.
“With Kanato confirmed, our 2027 driver line-up is now complete. We have a good combination of talent and experience, and we’re looking forward to getting to work with all three drivers as we prepare for next season.”
