Ricardo Escotto joins AIX Racing for FIA F3 Barcelona round

Escotto steps in at AIX Racing

Ricardo Escotto will replace Brad Benavides at AIX Racing for this weekend’s FIA Formula 3 round at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the team has confirmed.

The 21-year-old arrives at AIX after competing in Indy NXT in 2026, adding another chapter to a junior single-seater career that has already taken him across several championships. His Barcelona appearance will mark his move into FIA Formula 3 machinery with AIX Racing, on a weekend that places immediate emphasis on adaptation, execution and clean progression.

For Escotto, the opportunity comes at a demanding venue and in a field where learning time is limited. The Barcelona event runs alongside a wider race weekend in Catalonia, with our full guide to the venue available in the 2026 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix preview.

A broad junior single-seater background

Before his 2026 Indy NXT campaign, Escotto built experience across Formula 4 in the American, Spanish and UAE championships. He also completed two years in USF Pro 2000 and made three appearances in Euroformula Open in 2024.

That varied background gives AIX Racing a driver with exposure to multiple cars, circuits and competitive environments, even if the immediate task in Barcelona is clear: integrate quickly, understand the FIA F3 car, and deliver a productive weekend for both driver and team.

Escotto made clear his enthusiasm ahead of the round, saying: "I am super excited to drive for AIX Racing in the Barcelona Grand Prix. I am grateful for the team for giving me this opportunity and can’t wait to get on track!"

AIX targets a smooth debut weekend

AIX F3 Team Manager Kenny Kirwan welcomed Escotto into the programme and underlined the team’s focus on helping him settle in rapidly.

"We are delighted to welcome Ricardo Escotto to the team for the upcoming FIA Formula 3 round in Barcelona. Ricardo has shown strong pace and determination throughout his junior single-seater career, and we believe he has the talent and work ethic to integrate quickly with our programme."

Kirwan added that AIX’s priority will be to provide Escotto with the support required to maximise the weekend, build experience with the car and contribute positively to the team’s objectives.

"We are excited to see what we can achieve together and wish him every success for his debut with us in Barcelona."

The Barcelona round takes place from June 12-14.