In the Driver's Seat with Ernesto Rivera Ahead of Macau
As part of Van Amersfoort Racing’s line-up for the 2026 FIA Formula Regional World Cup Macau, Red Bull Junior Team driver Ernesto Rivera will make his debut with the team at the Guia Circuit. Ahead of the event, we sat down with the Mexican driver to get to know him a little better. From his first memories of racing to his ambitions for Macau, Ernesto shares what motivates him and what he is looking forward to most.
Ernesto moved into single-seaters in 2024, competing in the Spanish Formula 4 Championship. He finished fifth in the standings, taking one win and two podiums. In 2025, he stepped up to Formula Regional, combining the Formula Regional Middle East Championship with Eurocup-3. Three wins and seven podiums in Eurocup-3 secured him fourth place in the championship. That same year, he joined the Red Bull Junior Team.
In 2026, Ernesto made the step up to FIA Formula 3, finishing seventh in the championship with 87 points. One of his standout moments came at Spa-Francorchamps, where he won the Feature Race.
Team Principal Brad Joyce welcomes Ernesto to the team: “We’re pleased to have Ernesto join us for Macau. We’ve seen throughout his career that he has the talent to perform at a high level; his rookie season in FIA Formula 3 was a good example of that. We’re confident he can adapt quickly to a new and challenging circuit like Macau. We’re looking forward to working with Ernesto and seeing what we can achieve together.”
A Passion for Racing from An Early Age
Ernesto's interest in motorsport started at a young age. “I always liked speed since I was little. I've always liked like racing cars, go-karts, and I went to watch everyone when I was little; and then, I wanted to be a race car driver.”
Away from the circuit, he enjoys spending time with friends and family. With much of his time spent abroad for racing, those moments are particularly important to him. When asked about the biggest influence on his career, he points to his coach, Marco Barba.
Looking back at his career so far, winning the FIA F3 Feature Race at Spa stands out as his proudest moment. “It's a big achievement winning on the F1 weekend, having a very clean race and winning on my favourite track. It was a very happy moment.”
Looking Ahead to Macau
The Macau Grand Prix will be another new experience for Ernesto as he makes his debut at the Guia Circuit. The FIA Formula Regional World Cup is an event he has been looking forward to, not least because of its history.
“It means a lot, as almost all of the greatest have competed there and won. It will be my first time so it will be a bit tougher, but I will enjoy it for sure.”
The atmosphere and the scale of the event are also high on his list. Known as one of the most challenging street circuits in motorsport, the Guia Circuit presents a particular challenge for a first-time competitor. For Ernesto, getting up to speed quickly will be key.
“As many of the other drivers have done it before. So, I think it's an extra challenge to do it as a first year.”
To prepare, he relies heavily on visualisation, imagining himself completing strong laps, alongside working closely with the team. But when it comes to his personal goal for the weekend, there is no hesitation: “To win.”
Learning and Looking Forward
His first season in FIA F3 has also taught him a lot, particularly after a difficult start. An injury that left him with two fractured vertebrae meant he missed the opening round and had to watch from the sidelines. He feels the experience made him mentally tougher.
As a Red Bull Junior Team driver, Ernesto also recognises the significance of racing in Macau. “It’s super important as it's one of the most iconic races of the world. And being a Red Bull driver, you carry an extra bit of pressure but also people see your car more.”
With his first appearance at the Guia Circuit approaching, Ernesto is ready to take on the challenge with Van Amersfoort Racing. The goal is clear, and he is looking forward to experiencing everything the Macau Grand Prix has to offer.
The 2026 FIA Formula Regional World Cup Macau takes place from 19 to 22 November at the Guia Circuit, as part of the 73rd Macau Grand Prix.
Photography: © Formula Motorsport Limited & Van Amersfoort Racing