- Atlanta native pleased with progress looking back over 2024 GB3 campaign
- Rising star hints at ‘big things to come’ as he continues to climb open-wheel ladder
- Manager Rory Butcher hails his protégé’s ‘blood, sweat and tears’ approach
Rising American single-seater star Shawn Rashid has brought down the curtain on his two-year stint in the GB3 Championship, looking back over a ‘super-valuable’ sophomore season that saw him make significant progress – while simultaneously looking ahead to the next step in his burgeoning career.
Competing for VRD Racing by Arden, Rashid made a strong impression in the fiercely disputed series in 2024. Scoring in nearly two-thirds of the 23 races, he tallied almost 100 points more than during his rookie campaign – a quantum leap forward in both performance and results.
Along the way, the Atlanta, GA native sped to a superb second-place finish at Silverstone, conquering the celebrated ‘Home of British Motor Racing’ with a mature display to deservedly reach the rostrum, barely three seconds shy of victory. That was far from the only highlight, however, as Rashid similarly secured top eight finishes at fellow legendary Formula 1 circuits Spa-Francorchamps and Zandvoort.
Buoyed by that form, the Purdue University Industrial Engineering graduate now has his sights solidly set on a step-up in 2025, having already conducted a series of encouraging FIA Formula 2 Championship tests. Further sessions are planned in the new year, as he continues to explore options and opportunities in the F1 feeder series.
“GB3 has been a great championship for me and has taught me a lot,” Rashid acknowledged. “I have countless happy memories to look back upon, especially thinking about the experience I’ve gained throughout the year. It’s been a super-valuable season, full of highs, lows and everything in-between.
“The competition in GB3 is so tight and of an extremely high standard – just a couple of tenths-of-a-second is frequently the difference between starting right up at the sharp end or outside the top ten – and getting to grips with FIA-licensed circuits has been hugely beneficial. I learned a lot about driving in dirty air, too, and while that is something all drivers like to complain about, it’s also something you need to master if you want to really progress in open-wheel racing.
“The Hungaroring was definitely a high point; we were fast all weekend and it was where I achieved my best-ever GB3 qualifying result. Being uncharted territory for everyone, that really showcased my ability to quickly get a handle on new circuits. I gained a lot of confidence from driving in the wet at Spa, and standing on the podium at Silverstone was clearly a very special moment. That was another circuit where we showed strong speed, holding our own at the front of the field very comfortably.
“I’ve developed a lot over the course of this year – particularly in terms of my racecraft and my feedback to my engineer about what the car is doing and what it needs – which is big credit to the team.
“I really appreciate VRD Racing by Arden for giving me a shot and for everybody’s hard work – it’s been a pleasure racing with all the guys and girls there and I have nothing but positivity looking back – but now, the time has come to move on from GB3 and tackle the next challenge in my career. We’ve had a great few weeks since the season ended – and there are big things to come!”
Rashid’s manager, former British Touring Car Championship Independents’ title-winner, Rory Butcher, has no doubt that the Oxford-based racer is ready to continue climbing the single-seater ladder.
“Shawn has made huge strides this year and has impressed me on so many occasions, not only with his driving but also in the way he communicates with his race team,” remarked the Scot. “There have been countless standout moments, from his podium finish at Silverstone GP to witnessing him take to the track in an FIA Formula 2 car for the first time at Mugello.
“From the outside, his career might look glamorous, but what social media doesn’t show is the blood, sweat and tears he pours into this – whether that’s at the gym, on the simulator or at the kart track. He can walk away from the GB3 Championship with his head held high, and as we push forward with our Formula 2 testing programme, I’m excited to see Shawn keep progressing into the future Formula 1 driver we know he can be.”
