What Is 2018 New Zealand Grand Prix

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 New Zealand Grand Prix was held on February 11, 2018, at Manfeild Autocourse near Feilding. It was won by Australian driver Thomas Randle driving a Tatuus FT-50 for the MTEC Motorsport team.

Key Facts

The 2018 New Zealand Grand Prix took place on February 11, 2018
It was held at Manfeild Autocourse, near Feilding in the Manawatū-Whanganui region
Thomas Randle from Australia won the race driving for MTEC Motorsport
The race was part of the 2018 Toyota Racing Series
Randle drove a Tatuus FT-50 Formula Regional Oceania car

Overview

The 2018 New Zealand Grand Prix was a significant open-wheel motor race held as the final round of the 2018 Toyota Racing Series. Taking place on February 11, 2018, the event returned to Manfeild Autocourse near Feilding after several years at other circuits, marking a historic return to a traditional venue.

As the 63rd running of the New Zealand Grand Prix, the race featured top international junior drivers competing in identical Tatuus FT-50 chassis powered by Toyota engines. The event served as a showcase for emerging motorsport talent and was part of a three-week summer series that attracts drivers aiming to advance in single-seater racing.

Thomas Randle won the race after starting from pole position, leading every lap to secure a dominant victory by over five seconds.
The race was held at Manfeild Autocourse, a 3.380 km (2.100 mi) circuit located near Feilding, which had not hosted the Grand Prix since 2015.
Competitors drove the Tatuus FT-50, a Formula Regional Oceania car equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged Toyota engine producing approximately 210 horsepower.
The 2018 edition marked the 63rd running of the New Zealand Grand Prix, a race first held in 1950 and traditionally held on or near Waitangi Day.
As part of the Toyota Racing Series, the Grand Prix attracted 18 drivers from 11 countries, including future Formula 1 drivers such as Liam Lawson and Marcus Armstrong.

How It Works

The New Zealand Grand Prix is structured as the culmination of the Toyota Racing Series, a winter championship designed to give young drivers high-level racing experience in a competitive, controlled environment. The format includes multiple races per weekend, with points contributing to both individual race results and the overall Grand Prix title.

Format: The race weekend includes three events: two 60-minute races and the 100-kilometer Grand Prix on Sunday. Points are awarded using FIA-style scoring.
Eligibility: Drivers must be under 21 years old and hold an FIA International license; most are from Europe, Australia, or North America.
Chassis: All competitors use the Tatuus FT-50, a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis introduced in 2015 to replace the older FT-40 model.
Engine: Each car is powered by a Toyota 2.0L 8AR-FTS turbocharged inline-four engine, producing around 210 hp and limited to 6,200 rpm.
Strategy: With no pit stops required, the race emphasizes driver skill and consistency, with tire management being critical on high-grip circuits like Manfeild.
Scoring: The Grand Prix awards 15 points to the winner, with decreasing points down to 10th place, contributing to the overall Toyota Racing Series championship.

Comparison at a Glance

Here is how the 2018 New Zealand Grand Prix compares to recent editions in terms of location, winner, and key statistics:

Year	Winner	Nationality	Circuit	Winning Margin
2018	Thomas Randle	Australian	Manfeild	5.2 seconds
2017	Lando Norris	British	Manor Park	0.8 seconds
2016	Richie Stanaway	New Zealander	Highlands	1.4 seconds
2015	Lucas Auer	Austrian	Manfeild	2.1 seconds
2014	Jack Aitken	British	Taupo	3.7 seconds

The 2018 race stood out for its dominant performance by Thomas Randle, who led every lap. Unlike close finishes in 2017 and 2016, Randle's victory margin of over five seconds reflected superior pace and consistency, highlighting the competitive balance of the Tatuus FT-50 platform.

Why It Matters

The 2018 New Zealand Grand Prix remains a notable event in junior motorsport due to its role in developing future racing stars and maintaining New Zealand's legacy in open-wheel competition. The race continues to attract global talent and serves as a proving ground for drivers aiming for higher formulae.

Global Talent Pipeline: The Toyota Racing Series, capped by the Grand Prix, has launched the careers of drivers like Lando Norris and Liam Lawson into Formula 1.
Cost-Effective Racing: With tightly controlled budgets and equal machinery, the series offers high-level competition at a fraction of European Formula 3 costs.
Summer Timing: Held in January–February, it fills a gap in the Northern Hemisphere’s off-season, giving drivers valuable seat time.
Technical Development: The Tatuus FT-50’s modern aero and turbo engine prepare drivers for FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2 machinery.
Historical Prestige: Winning the New Zealand Grand Prix adds to a driver’s resume, joining legends like Bruce McLaren and Jim Clark.
Local Impact: The event boosts regional tourism and inspires young Kiwi drivers to pursue international motorsport careers.

With its blend of history, competitive structure, and global reach, the 2018 New Zealand Grand Prix exemplified the event’s enduring significance in the motorsport world.