Britain's next generation of motorsport stars have once again proven their mettle on the international stage, with teenagers Kenzo Craigie and Noah Baglin delivering masterful performances to claim the prestigious Champions of the Future Euro Series titles in dramatic fashion at Sweden's Asum Ring.
The Kristianstad finale, which brought together more than 200 of the world's finest junior karting talents for the fifth and final round of the 2025 season, showcased exactly why British karting continues to produce Formula 1 calibre drivers. Both youngsters faced intense pressure in their respective categories but rose to the occasion when it mattered most.
Fourteen-year-old Craigie arrived in Sweden as the OK class championship leader, though Spain's Christian Costoya and Belgium's Thibouat Ramaekers were breathing down his neck in the standings. Throughout a weekend of typically fierce European competition, all three title contenders remained at the sharp end, but it was Craigie's composed second-place finish in Sunday's final that secured the crown - following in the wheeltracks of fellow Brit Joe Turney, who claimed the same title in 2024.
Craigie's triumph was all the more impressive given his young age and the calibre of opposition. The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team Junior Programme member has been on the radar of F1 talent scouts since dominating the British karting scene in 2023. His credentials were further enhanced last season with a stunning OK-Junior campaign that included victory at the FIA Karting World Championship and a third-place finish in the Champions of the Future Euro Series.
Meanwhile, thirteen-year-old Noah Baglin faced an even steeper mountain to climb in the OK-Junior category. Entering the finale weekend 31 points behind Australia's William Calleja, the young Brit's championship hopes appeared slim. However, Baglin produced a drive that will be remembered for years to come, surging into the lead on just the second lap of the final and never relinquishing his advantage.
With maximum points secured and Calleja failing to score, Baglin completed one of the most remarkable championship comebacks in recent European karting history. The Ferrari Driver Academy member's victory demonstrates the sort of racecraft and mental fortitude that has seen previous FDA graduates like Callum Ilott and Ollie Bearman progress to Formula 1.
The British success didn't end there, with Joe Turney adding to his impressive palmares with a fifth-place championship finish, whilst Roman Kamyab and Noah Wolfe also secured top-ten positions in the ultra-competitive OK class. In OK-Junior, Henry Domain's fourth overall championship position further underlined the strength in depth of British junior talent.
These results continue Britain's remarkable tradition of producing world-class karting talent. The Champions of the Future Euro Series has become a crucial stepping stone for aspiring F1 drivers, with many current grid stars having cut their teeth in this championship during their formative years.
For Craigie and Baglin, these European titles represent significant milestones in what promise to be exciting careers. With backing from two of Formula 1's most successful teams and clear natural talent, both youngsters will be hoping to follow the path blazed by Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, George Russell and Alex Albon - all of whom started their journey to F1 in British karting.
The success also reflects well on the strength of Britain's grassroots karting infrastructure. From local club meetings to the British Kart Championships, the pathway that has nurtured these talents continues to prove its worth on the international stage. As attention turns to 2026, British karting can look forward with confidence, knowing the next generation is already making their mark at the highest level.
Both Craigie and Baglin will be ones to watch as they continue their progression through the motorsport ranks, with their Champions of the Future success providing the perfect platform for the challenges ahead.