SEPANG, Malaysia — Iñigo Anton answered a disappointing Round 1 in Bahrain with a Race 1 win and a Race 3 podium at Sepang. The 22-year-old Filipino now leads the Formula Trophy Malaysia standings heading into the season finale.

Anton, the lone Filipino on the grid, topped practice, took pole, won Race 1 and set the weekend’s fastest lap at Petronas Sepang International Circuit. It was a sharp turnaround from Round 1, held at the Formula 1 support race in Bahrain.

Formula Trophy Sepang Race Results

Anton converted pole into a Race 1 win, finishing ahead of Timo Jüngling of Xcel Motorsport and AXLE Sports teammate Jaime Ambrose. LN4 Fusion’s Jesse Phillips, a European karting champion, won Race 2, followed by Chen Sicong and Rafael Vaessen.

Anton focused on maximizing points in the reversed-grid Race 2 and did not reach the podium. He returned in Race 3, finishing second behind Jüngling, with Ambrose third, to collect the points that put him atop the standings.

Anton outpaced drivers backed by Formula 1 teams and global academies, a notable result for Philippine motorsport. The field included LN4 Fusion, co-founded by Formula 1 race winner Lando Norris, and Williams Racing Junior Academy driver Oleksandr Bondarev.

“After a really heartbreaking Round 1, we knew we had to come back stronger,” said Anton, the 2025 Formula 4 Southeast Asia rookie champion. “The team worked tirelessly, and everything just fell perfectly into place this weekend.”

Anton Credits Team, Eyes Season Finale

Racing for AXLE Sports, managed by former Formula 1 driver Alex Yoong, Anton was coached this weekend by Yoong’s son, Alister, a racing driver. Guided by Alister’s trackside strategy, Anton went head-to-head with elite international drivers.

Anton dedicated the win to his team. “I kept the faith and God pulled me through. I want to give a massive thanks to Alex Yoong and the entire AXLE Sports team. They worked so hard to get to where we are now and I dedicate this win to the whole team.”

Anton also thanked the backers who made his entry into Formula 4 racing possible: Charlie Ong of Infiniteserv, Motul, Alpinestars, Yokohama, Timemaster Watches, Blue Coffee Distributor and AAP Motorsports. He cited their unwavering belief and support.

Anton leads the Formula Trophy Malaysia championship heading into the season finale. His management team is actively welcoming corporate partners and sponsors who wish to align with him on his journey in global motorsport.