Red Bull has announced that three new drivers will join its junior team in 2016: Sergio Sette Camara, Niko Kari, and Luis Leeds.

17-year-old Camara is the oldest and most experienced recruit of the threesome, having raced in the FIA European Formula 3 championship with Motopark this year. After clinching a pair of podiums en route to 14th in the final standings, the Brazilian will return for a sophomore campaign in the highly-contested category.

Incidentally, he will partner fellow new Red Bull protégé Kari, who steps to Euro F3 with Motopark in the wake of his impressive SMP Formula 4 title.

“I will have a lot to learn in F3, but I will work hard to make the best of this big opportunity,” commented the 16-year-old Finn.

“It's a great feeling to be invited to be part of the Red Bull Junior Team. I think it will be a fantastic year.”

15-year-old Leeds rounds up the three newcomers. The Australian’s 2015 highlight came at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, where he claimed victory in the opening Mexican F4 Series contest that serves as a curtain raiser to the returning Mexico Grand Prix. Next year will see the Melbourne-born racer compete in MSA Formula with Arden.

“To think that I am now part of the Red Bull Junior Team is just incredible and I can't wait for the MSA Formula season to start in Britain,” said Leeds.

“I know that the level of competition will be much higher but at least the cars will be the same so I can take what I have learnt here and make use of it.”

Red Bull's junior programme has proved its credentials over the year, bringing the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, Daniil Kvyat, Max Verstappen, and Carlos Sainz to Formula One.

Its 2015 roster included GP2 Series frontrunner Pierre Gasly – who will stay with the energy drinks giant next season –, Formula Renault 3.5 ace Dean Stoneman, and kart-to-F3 graduate Callum Ilott (pictured above in Macau).

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Julien Billiotte

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