In the Driver's Seat with Jules Roussel Ahead of Macau
One year after winning the inaugural FIA F4 World Cup, Jules Roussel will return to Macau with Van Amersfoort Racing for the 2026 FIA Formula Regional World Cup. The French driver will make his debut at the Guia Circuit in a Formula Regional car, returning to a venue that holds a special place in his career.
Jules first competed in French Formula 4 in 2024 before continuing in the championship in 2025. He finished third in the standings before heading to Macau, where he took victory in the inaugural FIA F4 World Cup. In 2026, he stepped up to Formula Regional, competing in both the Formula Regional Middle East Trophy and the Formula Regional European Championship, gaining experience in the category ahead of his return to Macau.
Team Principal Brad Joyce is looking forward to welcoming Jules to the team: “We’re very happy to have Jules join us for Macau. He won the F4 World Cup there last year, giving us a great starting point for the weekend. This time, he will be in a different car with a new team around him. He has gained valuable experience in Formula Regional this season, which will help as we prepare for the weekend. We’re looking forward to working with Jules and striving for a strong finish at the Macau Grand Prix.”
A Passion for Racing
Jules' interest in motorsport runs in the family. With relatives involved in motocross, racing was part of his environment from an early age. When asked what first inspired him to become a racing driver, he answered: “I would say my family.”
Outside of racing, Jules enjoys running and spending time with his family. He also names two important influences on his career: Ayrton Senna and his cousin Léo Roussel, who has competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans multiple times.
“I love his driving style, so he inspires me quite a lot.”
When asked about his proudest moment in racing so far, Jules didn't hesitate: “Macau race last year.”
Back to Macau
Returning to Macau is something Jules is particularly happy about. Having set himself the goal of competing in the Formula Regional category at the event after his victory in 2025, he is pleased to have made it happen.
“Because I do it twice, and I remember last year everyone asked me the question if I would do it this year. And I said, yeah, it's my goal to do it again in the top category. And I achieved it. So, I'm really happy.”
Beyond the racing itself, Jules is looking forward to experiencing Macau again. He particularly enjoys the city, its atmosphere and, of course, the circuit.
“To come back into the place, because I really love that place with all the buildings and everything. And to enjoy the layout. Mainly because I really love the track.”
Moving from Formula 4 to Formula Regional will bring a different challenge. Jules expects pushing the car to its limit around the narrow street circuit to be demanding, especially with a highly competitive field.
“I think to push on the limit with this car will be a tough one. Especially with this grid, because the grid is a really high level.”
He is also looking forward to competing against such a strong field on a circuit he enjoys so much.
A Different Challenge, the Same Ambition
Having already won in Macau, Jules knows what it takes to perform at the Guia Circuit. However, he is aware that last year’s experience will not automatically make this year's event easier. The Formula Regional car brings a new challenge, and he will need to build his confidence throughout the weekend.
When asked about his personal goal, Jules wants to compete towards the front while continuing to learn about the car and putting his Formula Regional experience into practice.
“And obviously the goal will be to play in the front. And do as much as possible with learning a lot and apply what I want to try and everything.”
Last year's victory gives him confidence, particularly as he knows the circuit and remembers the pace he had throughout the weekend. Still, he knows Macau leaves little room for mistakes.
“Your confidence can be broken in one mistake and everything just destroyed.”
Jules also knows that this year's return will be different from his F4 victory, even if that experience gives him confidence.
“I know it will be not the same person and same driver and in the same category, so it will be a lot of difference but for sure that helped me in terms of confidence.”
For Jules, returning to Macau is about more than defending his previous achievement. He is looking forward to driving the circuit again, experiencing the event and creating another special memory.
“I don't want to be like the “previous champion in Formula 4”. All of my memories were the 2025 memories, and I hope to create other ones. But for sure, it's not about the achievement. It's more about the pleasure to drive on this track and this kind of event. When you arrive, you come with the bus on track, where you will drive. To see the city moving is kind of special. It's more about that and it will be really good.”
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.
