I’m very excited about having the opportunity to chat with this driver: 2025 GB3 star Nikita Johnson. The 16 year old has already made a name for himself racing in America, his home, but has made the move to race full time in Europe this year - in GB3 with Hitech TGR, a known winning machine in European and international racing.
As well as the above, Nikita has already completed the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Championship(CTFROC) at the start of 2025 and will figure in selected Indy NXT races. Incredible, considering he is just 16.
📸 In action in the recent CTFROC series.
In your racing career so far, you’ve raced in Oceania, North America & Europe…is this your world tour or is it about sampling different series’ and circuits?
Haha! You could say it’s Johnson’s world tour!! But the main reason for sampling many series and circuits is to gain seat time and experience. Because I am young and have time on my side, I’m able to explore many different types of cars, series, and tracks.
📸 Nikita has won races in GB3, USF Juniors, USF2000, USF Pro 2000 and CTFROC already.
You’ve just finished racing in the CTFROC series where you finished third overall - what was is that drew you to racing out in New Zealand?
What drew me out to CTFROC was the amount of track time you get, super license points, and every car being handled by Toyota Gazoo Racing. CTFROC is also all done in five weeks so it’s very time efficient.
📸 Nikita(third place), shares the podium with 2024 FIA F3 drivers Matias Zagazeta and Arvid Lindblad.
What was your favourite circuit you raced on there?
I would say Highlands because it has the characteristics of an English circuit and street circuit which I find quite nice.
📸 Highlands Motorsport Park, New Zealand.
You’ll feature predominantly in Europe this year in GB3, but are doing a bit part season in Indy NXT too - is the long term aim F1 or IndyCar for you at this stage, or is it more about gaining experience just now?
F1 would be amazing to get to, but Indycar is a great route too, both are truly amazing careers. For right now it’s about gaining experience and keeping a foot in both routes.
📸 In GB3 action in 2024.
You’ve joined Hitech TGR for 2025, a well established team in European racing - is their recent history part of the reason you’ve joined them?
Yes, that was taken into account and was a strong reason to go with Hitech. My team and I chose to go to Hitech because we felt it would suit me best, for me to learn and be in a winning environment.
📸 Posing with the Hitech trophy cabinet.
Is the GB3 aim to win the title?
Yes, that is the aim for 2025.
You’ve already won in the series - what lessons can you take into the 2025 season from 2024, especially with new cars to adjust to?
Learning how to do a standing start!!! In the U.S. the biggest difference is we always have rolling starts. So I think that’s the biggest lesson I learned from last year. With the car for 2025, I am not too sure what to expect because I haven’t driven it yet.
📸 I don’t need to tell you where Nikita’s racing here…
At 16, you’ve already got a lot of race experience behind you against all types of drivers - who’s been your favourite driver you’ve raced against so far?
I’ve raced against many drivers, but my favorite is my little brother. Because it’s just super fun to go karting with him and race hard the whole day. Plus as an older brother I got to mess with him a little, so it’s fun to throw in some dirty tricks when racing with him.
Who are you looking forward to going wheel to wheel with this season?
That’s a very good question!! I’m not too sure yet, I’d have to make a conclusion after the first round. The championship looks pretty stacked, so I’m very excited to see what happens!
📸 F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling is among the names Nikita will share the racetrack with this season. Others featuring in GB3 include Bianca Bustmante, Keanu Al Azhari & Deagen Fairclough.
Being so quick, so early on in your career means you gain a lot of attention - how do you handle expectations or tags like ‘hotshot’, ‘wonderkid’ or ‘sensation’?
Well it’s nice to hear those tags and nicknames... I try not to listen or watch the socials too much just because you never know what to expect. Especially when you become a pro you are always in the spotlight, some of my friends that are professional athletes don’t even look at any media during the season. Simply to have a clear mind so they can perform at their best!
🗣️ Avoid social media…sound advice!
📸 Image credits: Nikita Johnson, GB3 Championship, Highlands Motorsport Park, F1 Academy.
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