Ugo Ugochukwu: F3 champion sends message to Nigerians amidst citizenship battle

Newly crowned Formula 3 champion Ugo Ugochukwu has said that he is proud of his Nigerian roots despite being born and raised in the United States of America. 

Ugochukwu etched his name into the Formula 3 record books after winning the 2026 Championship following the final race of the season in Madrid. 

Although the 19-year-old finished second in Madrid behind Tuukka Taponen, it was enough for him to win the championship ahead of Freddie Slater, who finished second with 145 points. 

However, while Ugochukwu made history, there have been arguments over his roots, with many media outlets saying he is the first American to win the F3 championship, despite his Nigerian roots. 

The 19-year-old has now come to clear all doubts, saying he is proud of his Nigerian roots and happy to inspire fellow Africans who want to pick up racing in the motorsport world. 

“You know I’m super proud of my Nigerian roots, on my mom’s side, and it makes me very proud every time I can get on the podium, get my name out there to everyone watching and supporting in Africa, means a lot, and hopefully I can be a good role model to all the kids who like to have this dream as well,” Ugochukwu said after winning the Championship. 

While debate will continue to linger on as he continues his racing career, Ugochukwu is American, as he races under the United States flag. 

However, it is also important to state that he is half Nigerian and half Italian, thanks to his parents' roots. 

The 19-year-old’s mother is Oluchi Onweagba, a renowned Nigerian supermodel who won the Face of Africa competition and modelled for Victoria's Secret, while his father is Luca Orlandi, an Italian fashion designer.

However, he was born and raised in New York, which explains why he is racing under the American flag. The 19-year-old’s championship feat is impressive, considering this is his second year in Formula 3. 

Ugochukwu has always been a great talent from the start, winning the Micro ROK Cup USA in 2014 and the Florida Winter Tour in 2015 before moving to Italy to compete in European championships. 

The brilliance followed him when he moved to Europe with the goal to drive in the Formula 1 championship. With the Formula 3 hurdle now crossed, Ugochukwu plans to take the next step as he continues to work his way to Formula 1, although he is not going to rush the process. 

“Formula 2 is, of course, the next logical step up the ladder towards everyone’s dream of Formula 1. For now, I am just enjoying this title and this championship. The whole of 2026 has been very good for me, winning two championships, and we will see what 2027 brings,” he told FIAformula3.