Despite his defeat, the Ferrari young driver showcased an undeniable strength and ability throughout the 15 race season, proving his place as one of the most promising young drivers around. 

Moving to Manfeild for the title decider, the field of young challengers took to the Circuit Chris Amon for a series of three races, culminating in the New Zealand Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon. Heading into the weekend 33 points ahead of his nearest rival, the calm yet focussed racer looked to put his talents to practice, in an all-out push to the crowning flag.

Topping the time sheets in practice held the 17-year-old in good stead ahead of qualifying. With a tricky first session netting 7th on the grid for Race 1, Marcus set his sights on maximising his lap time to clinch pole for the New Zealand Grand Prix race. Leading much of the 2nd session, until Verschoor edged him by a mere 0.082s, but a front row position left it all to play for in the 35 lap race. 

Firing off the line with lightning reactions, Marcus soon made ground on his 7th place start in the opening race on Saturday. The Kiwi made it look easy as he shot to 4th in a stellar first lap, fighting off advances from Brandon Leitch behind, as the cars roared through the twisty Manfeild circuit. Defending hard against Leitch, the pair went side-by-side, until Leitch just managed to take the position. Wisely Marcus didn’t risk any bold moves, fully focussed on claiming as many points as possible, as he went on to cross the line 5th.

As rain threatened overhead on Sunday morning, the grid formed for Race 2. With the championship tightening up, Marcus launched from 6th on the grid eager to keep Verschoor and Shwartzman under control, who had the advantage in the draw of the reverse grid. Taking to the inside, the talented racer challenged the pair as they powered into the first corner. With no room to run, Marcus kept clear of the grass and relented slightly allowing Correa to gain on him. Soon enough he out-powered his teammate to gain 5th place, a position he held to the finish. The points gap narrowing to just 10 adrift, the tenacious teen looked ahead to the crowning race of the competition, with unwavering ambition and poise. 

Excitement hit fever pitch as the crowds gathered on Sunday afternoon, Marcus lined up alongside Verschoor, as lights went out for the historic New Zealand Grand Prix. Mastering his start from P2, Marcus took the lead from the get-go, giving full power into the wide sweeping first corner. Managing the race with style, the championship leader was unchallenged until he made a small mistake and Verschoor seized his opportunity slightly edging off track to complete the move.

With just 4 laps of the 35 remaining, Cockerton parked his engine-stricken car on the outside of turn one, bringing out the safety car and neutralising the race. With the finish tantalisingly close, Marcus kept his cool and prepared for a final frenzied one-lap dash, as the safety car peeled into the pits. But putting his foot to the floor on the restart - disaster struck. Hearts dropped to the floor, mouths aghast as crowds watched Marcus become swamped by the field, as a mechanical failure dropped his car into safe mode. In a dramatic and heartbreaking twist, the championship slipped through his fingertips, in favour of Shwartzman. 

Speaking of his disappointment:

“I led the entire race. Then at safety car restart, my engine went into limp mode, losing me the championship. To lose the championship in that way, there aren’t really any words to describe, other than it really sucks. We did everything we could over 5 weeks, to keep consistent in favour of the championship, it came down to the last lap where the title was in the bag.”

In the face of defeat, Marcus proved his strong and resolute character, by looking over his achievements, a season in which he scored 2 wins, 10 podiums and 901 points. 

“I’m disappointed, but I gave it everything and I’m happy with that”

With proven pace, shining talent and experience on his side, Marcus Armstrong next hits the track for the opening round of the FIA Formula 3 Championship on the streets of Pau, France in May.