SEPANG, MALAYSIA (November 9, 2026) — Flying the Philippine flag with unyielding pride and determination, 22-year-old Filipino racing star Iñigo Anton captured a sensational victory and the overall championship lead at Round 2 of the Formula Trophy Malaysia, held at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit this past weekend.

Rebounding from a challenging and disappointing Round 1 at the F1 Bahrain support race, Anton showcased world-class speed, resilience, and sheer determination. The lone Filipino on the grid delivered a masterclass in motorsport, sweeping the top of the timing sheets by going fastest in Practice, securing Pole Position in Qualifying, winning Race 1, and clocking the fastest lap of the entire weekend.

Racing for Axle Sports

Racing for AXLE Sports—managed by former Formula 1 driver Alex Yoong—Anton was coached this weekend by Alex’s son, racing driver Alister Yoong. Guided by Alister’s trackside strategy, Anton went head-to-head against a formidable grid of elite international drivers and factory-backed European academies. Among the heavyweights were drivers from LN4 Fusion—the premier racing team co-founded by Formula 1 race winner Lando Norris—including highly-rated European karting champion Jesse Phillips and Williams Racing Junior Academy driver Oleksandr Bondarev. Also providing stiff competition was Xcel Motorsport’s Timo Jüngling.

Anton Dominates Race 1, Secures Crucial Podium in Race 3

Unfazed by the star-studded grid, Anton stamped his class early. He converted his brilliant pole position into a commanding victory in Race 1, finishing ahead of Jüngling and AXLE teammate Jaime Ambrose.

In Race 2, LN4 Fusion’s Jesse Phillips took the top step of the podium, followed by Chen Sicong and Rafael Vaessen. Meanwhile, Anton focused on maximizing points amidst the reversed grid dynamics. He carried that momentum into Race 3, where he fought hard to secure a stellar second-place finish just behind Jüngling. As a result, Anton accumulated the crucial points needed to climb to the top of the championship standings.

A Comeback Fueled by Faith and Teamwork

“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. 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’s triumph at Sepang is not just a personal victory, but a monumental achievement for Philippine motorsport. By out-pacing drivers backed by F1 teams and global academies, Anton has proven that Filipino talent belongs at the absolute pinnacle of international racing.

Looking back at his journey to the top, Anton also took a moment to express his deepest gratitude to the foundational sponsors who started it all and made his entry into Formula 4 racing possible. Additionally, he extends his heartfelt thanks to Charlie Ong of Infiniteserv, Motul, Alpinestars, Yokohama, Timemaster Watches, Blue Coffee Distributor, and AAP Motorsports for their unwavering belief and support.

As he 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 a proven, world-class Filipino champion on his journey to the top of global motorsport.

Formula Trophy Malaysia Round 2 – Weekend Podium Results

Podium for Race 1

1. Iñigo Anton (Philippines / AXLE Sports)
2. Timo Jüngling (United Kingdom / Xcel Motorsport)
3. Jaime Ambrose (United Kingdom / AXLE Sports)

Race 2

1. Jesse Phillips (Germany / LN4 Fusion)
2. Chen Sicong (China / Black Blade Racing)
3. Rafael Vaessen (Netherlands / Evans GP)

Race 3

1. Timo Jüngling (United Kingdom / Xcel Motorsport)
2. Iñigo Anton (Philippines / AXLE Sports)
3. Jaime Ambrose (United Kingdom / AXLE Sports)

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