Meet McLaren prodigy tipped as new Lewis Hamilton after Macau GP win

F1 fans would be wise to remember the name Ugo Ugochukwu in the years to come, after the driver dubbed the 'new Lewis Hamilton' claimed victory in the Macau Grand Prix on Sunday.

The teenager has been tipped to take the racing world by storm and the McLaren junior's dominant weekend at the Guia Circuit underlined his clear potential.

The 17-year-old became the first American in 43 years to triumph around the famous Asian street circuit, which is regarded as a marker for future success in the junior ranks.

The Macau event has developed a reputation through the years for giving a future glimpse into potential champions. The proof is in the pudding, as previous winners of the race include Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna and David Coulthard before they made the step up to Formula One

It proved to be even beyond the likes of Hamilton and Max Verstappen, who were earmarked for big futures in F1 from an early age. But Ugochukwu claimed victory to add another notch on his impressive list of achievements.

Ugochukwu led the pack away from pole under a safety car start and, when the green flag was waved, he managed to hold off Red Bull talent Oliver Goethe, who has featured in Formula 2 at the last two rounds.

Despite there being several stoppages throughout the day, he kept Goethe at arm's length throughout and led every lap of the race to the checkered flag, with the race finishing under safety car conditions. Goethe earned second place while Formula 3 driver Noel Leon took the final podium spot.

If nothing else, it was further proof that McLaren have unearthed another gem from the same programme that developed Hamilton and Lando Norris from karting to F1.

"We've been watching Ugo's progress with interest, so when the opportunity to sign an agreement with him became available, we had no hesitation moving on it," McLaren CEO Zak Brown said after signing Ugochukwu in 2021.

"Now we'll focus on giving Ugo the right support when he needs it to help him fulfil his potential."

Ugochukwu has already been handed a drive in the Formula 3 Championship next season with Prema and he will be eager to demonstrate that his Macau success was no fluke.

When McLaren signed Ugochukwu to their young driver programme at the age of 13 in 2021, there were obvious parallels to be drawn with Hamilton.

The seven-time world champion began his racing career in a similar fashion, signing a deal with former McLaren boss Ron Dennis, who invested a huge amount of time and money in developing the Briton. He has gone on to win seven world titles, 105 races and qualify on pole 104 times, cementing his status as the most successful driver of all time.

It would be unfair to expect the same from the New York-born starlet, but following his idol to the pinnacle of motorsport looks a closer reality than ever after his Macau GP triumph.