Former Vice President of Nigeria, Abubakar Atiku, has joined the chorus of praise for 17-year-old Ugo Ugochukwu following his remarkable victory at the 71st Macau Grand Prix.
The triumph, which crowned Ugo as the FIA Formula Regional World Cup champion, has cemented his status as a rising star in global motorsports.
“The historic victory of Ugo Ugochukwu, whose Nigerian root is well-grounded at the 2024 FIA FR World Cup, makes me proud as a Nigerian,” Atiku wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his pride in the young racer.
Dubbed the “next Lewis Hamilton,” Ugochukwu’s stellar performance at Macau has resonated worldwide, bringing hope and inspiration to Nigerians. His win has sparked discussions on the significance of African representation in the highly competitive world of motorsport.
“To have been dubbed the next Lewis Hamilton, the well-decorated F1 racer, confirms that the 17-year-old’s victory at the 71st Macau Grand Prix was not a fluke,” Atiku added, highlighting the teenager’s incredible talent.
Ugochukwu’s journey is far from over. As he prepares to compete in the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2025, Atiku reaffirmed his support for the young prodigy.
“As Ugo is set to compete in the FIA Formula 3 — the third-tier world racing championship — in 2025, let him be assured that he has a supporter in me,” he said.
Nigerians have celebrated Ugo’s victory as a symbol of the nation’s potential, with many rallying behind the young racer as he continues to chase his dream of reaching Formula 1.
Atiku concluded his statement with a heartfelt wish for Ugochukwu’s future: “Once again, congratulations, Ugo, and may you soar like an eagle.”
With a nation cheering him on, Ugochukwu’s path to greatness seems all but assured, and his story serves as an inspiration to young talents across the continent.
