Baguio racer Iňigo Anton faces biggest career test in Sepang, Malaysia’s Formula 4 race

SPORTS

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Baguio-born racer Iñigo Navarrete Anton is set to face what he considers the biggest challenge of his racing career as he competes in a Formula 4 race in Sepang, Malaysia, from October 2 to 4, 2026.

The upcoming race marks another major step in Anton’s international racing career as he takes on the demanding Sepang International Circuit, where he will compete against other Formula 4 drivers.

During a press conference on September 21, Anton described the upcoming race as the biggest race of his career, saying the pressure will challenge him to perform at his highest level.

“This is going to be the biggest race of my life, of my racing career. I try not to think about the pressure, but it is definitely one of the most pressuring things I have ever done. But I know with this pressure comes the focus and the mindset that I have to perform beyond my best, and I cannot leave any stones unturned,” Anton said.

Despite the pressure, Anton said he intends to approach the race like any other competition, focusing on staying composed and delivering his best performance.

“This is going to be challenging, but what we're going to do, or what I'm planning to do, is just treat it like any other race I'm doing. I know the pressure will come and the pressure will mount on my head, but I know I just got to keep it, got to withstand it, so that I can show and achieve my best,” he added.

Anton also reflected on how far he has come in his racing career, saying he never imagined that he would reach the level of competing in Formula 4 and representing the Philippines in international competitions.

“I never thought that I'd get this far into racing and to be able to race in Formula 4. It was a very far dream, but at the same time, never say never because I'm currently here again, to represent the country internationally. Growing up as a kid, I never thought I could do that,” Anton said.

As he prepares for the Sepang race, Anton said he will continue to believe in himself, remain grounded, and make the most of every opportunity.

“So as the kid in me would say, I'd always keep believing in myself, always keep knowing that God has a plan for me, He has plans for people around me and the people supporting me,” he said.

“I'd just like to always treat everything as my last race, just to keep myself always grounded, at the same time reach for the stars, keep on motivating myself to do my best, and with whatever opportunity comes, may it be racing in Europe, may it be racing internationally, or may it even just be racing locally here, I'll take it one step at a time,” he added.

Anton enters the Sepang race with several achievements already to his name, including the 2025 Formula 4 Southeast Asia Rookie title and the 2024 F4 Australian Championship Rookie Champion title.

The Sepang race could provide another significant milestone for the Baguio racer as he continues to build his career on the international motorsport stage.