NEWS

Barely a month after winning both the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America and Lamborghini World Finals titles in Misano Adriatico, Hampus Ericsson is embarking on a new challenge this weekend in Malaysia.

Alongside his ex-Formula One and Indy 500-winning brother Marcus, he will be contesting the Sepang 12 Hours at the wheel of a Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 for the very first time, with German outfit Leipert Motorsport.

It has been a whirlwind last 12 months for the Swede, having taken his first career Super Trofeo race win at the 2024 World Finals en route to becoming an official Lamborghini Young Professional Driver.

With many drivers entering the off-season with a deserved break from competition in mind, Ericsson’s attention remains focused on racing.

“Looking back on the 2025 season, it has been exceptional,” says Hampus. “My team, Wayne Taylor Racing, has been outstanding both on and off the track, giving me every opportunity to perform at my best.

“Having [triple Super Trofeo North America champion] Danny Formal as a team-mate has helped me grow immensely as a driver and person which makes me so grateful to be able to have shared the car with him!”

Ericsson and Formal entered the 2025 season as title favourites, a billing they lived up to in spectacular fashion at the opening round of the year at Sebring. The pairing, in the #1 Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2 took both pole positions and both victories to secure a maximum score right out of the blocks.

A slight dip across the Laguna Seca and Watkins Glen events – twice missing out on victory due to mechanical issues – meant they went into the second half of the season trailing the TR3 Racing duo of Will Bamber and Elias de la Torre.

But a remarkable run of six consecutive wins cemented their place as the best crew in the regional series and culminated their campaign with the biggest prize of all, winning the World Finals against global competition.

Naturally for Ericsson, a Lamborghini Young Professional Driver, the step towards a full-time GT3 drive is the goal.

“I am incredibly grateful and excited to finally have the opportunity to drive a Lamborghini GT3,” adds Ericsson. “It’s been a long journey, but the time has finally come for my GT3 debut. And making that debut in a Lamborghini makes it even more special.

“Sharing a car with my brother Marcus is something I’ve dreamed of since I first started karting at a very young age. To see that dream becoming a reality feels surreal, and it means more to me than words can express.”

For Marcus, this weekend marks not only the first time at the wheel of a Lamborghini, but also his first in a GT3 full-stop. The former F1 driver – who boasts 97 starts between 2014 and 2018 – will also race alongside his brother for the first time too, having previously competed against him in another one-make series.

“I’m very excited,” says Marcus. “It’s a dream come true for sure; we’ve been talking about it for a long time, but it’s never worked out. So, to finally get to do it feels amazing! It will be a great adventure in Malaysia.

“The Leipert Motorsport team is a professional and good team. All the preparations have gone well, and I can’t wait to drive the car for the first time.

“I’ve never driven a GT3 car in anger before so it will be a lot to learn for me. That’s why it’s important to be with a good and experienced team like Leipert Motorsport.”

A lot to learn, certainly, but the elder Ericsson – who won the Indy 500 in 2022 – holds an adaptability that befits his level of experience.

His knowledge of the Sepang International Circuit, a track brother Hampus has yet to drive, will no doubt also come into play.

“I’ve driven the Sepang track many times in GP2 and F1,” Marcus adds.

“It’s one of my favourites for sure. It’s got a great mix of high speed and medium/slow speed corners.

“It’s very important to get into a flow when you drive this track as many corners lead into the next corner. It will be interesting to see how it drives in a GT3 car versus a single seater.”

Having reigned supreme in North America and coming out on top against the rest of the world in Misano Adriatico, Hampus now has clear plans to continue his progression up the ranks of the GT3 world.

“The 2026 season is approaching quickly, and I’m ready for whatever challenges and opportunities lie ahead,” says Ericsson.

“Hopefully, that includes a GT3 drive where I can continue developing, push myself to the next level, and become an even better driver, which makes this race in Sepang the perfect opportunity for the upcoming season.

“Finally, I’m so thankful to all my sponsors making this possible, Leipert Motorsport for welcoming me with open arms and Lamborghini Squadra Corse for their continued trust in me.”

The Sepang 12 Hours marks the start of the 2025/26 24H Series Middle East campaign. Following the season-opener in Malaysia, Abu Dhabi hosts a six-hour race for round two over the weekend of 9-10 January. The series then reaches its conclusion with the Dubai 24 Hours a week later.