Japanese racer Douglas Bolger confirmed he will join Carlin in the 2021 F4 British Championship certified by the FIA. The 16-year-old makes his car racing debut with the championship-winning team, having impressed in a number of tests with Carlin over the winter break. 

Douglas, known as ‘Dougie’, from Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan, began racing at the age of seven. After showing promise in multiple junior karting categories, Dougie emulated his racing heroes to move to the United Kingdom aged 12 and pursue his dream of becoming the first Japanese Formula 1 World Champion. 

In 2018, McLaren Racing took note of Dougie’s determined approach and selected the young Japanese racer as one of its McLaren DNA Programme drivers. Dougie went on to score podium finishes in the British, LGM and Japanese karting championships throughout 2018 and 2019. 

Despite setbacks with Covid-19 restrictions, Dougie made a successful test debut with Carlin in late 2020, aided by Kokoro Performance and Formula to Perform. He has his sights firmly set on single-seater success in 2021. 

It’s amazing to finally confirm the news. I’m so excited to be with Carlin, especially with all the history and success they have as a team. I feel honoured to become a part of that story. I have tested at a few tracks already with the team, but I’m looking forward to getting into it properly and visiting some new circuits like Croft and Knockhill. The UK has so many great and interesting circuits. Driving in F4 is something I couldn’t imagine a few years ago, but in testing I felt very comfortable. I will be pushing every day with the team, Kokoro Performance, and Formula to Perform to be at the front at Thruxton!

Dougie Bolger