BAGUIO CITY – From his early victories as an 8-year old in time attack racer to his recent success in top tier car racing championships in the county and lately the Formula 4 Southeast Asia, Inigo Anton’s relentless drive and exceptional skills have propelled him to the top of the racing world.
His career in car racing has been nothing short of being extraordinary that was marked by numerous championships and incredible achievements across various disciplines.
Anton is now in Thailand for the second round of the Formula 4 Southeast Asia after sharing the limelight in the first week of the prestigious competition held in Malaysia early this month.
His exceptional talent became evident at an incredibly young age where at just 8 years old, he made a splash in the racing scene by becoming a champion in time attack race driving real cars. His astonishing speed, precision and car control set him apart, showcasing his natural aptitude for the sport and signaling a promising future in car racing.
The next chapter of Anton’s racing career saw him making a successful transition from car racing to karting. He was named the 2015 Formula Cadet Philippine Novice Karter of the Year, the 2016 Formula Cadet Philippine National Karter of the Year and was able to clinch top spot in the podium in Macau during the 2015 Asian Karting Open Championship Round 1. The said achievement served as a testament to his adaptability and skill as he transitioned from driving race cars to go-karts.
As his skill developed, he continue to make waves and break records where at just 11 years old, he etched his name in the history books by becoming the youngest slalom and autocross champion racer. These titles exemplified his unraveled abilities to navigate through challenging courses with unmatched speed, agility, and fitness. Despite the intense competition, Anton remained undeterred and finished in the podium in all races.
His knack for dominating in different motorsport disciplines continued as he achieved remarkable success in the highly competitive Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Vios Cup. Throughout his tenure in the championship, he showcased exemplary driving skills, strategic moves, and an unwavering determination, the said qualities propelled him to win three consecutive championships: 2019 TGR Festival Autocross Overall Champion, 2021 Sporting Class Overall Champion and 2022 and 2024 TGR Vios Cup Super-Sporting Plus Overall Champion. He was also named 2022 Driver of the Year in circuit racing by the Automobile Association of the Philippines after winning the 2022 Philippine Grand Touring Championships.
The Radical Championship and Formula VI served as more platforms for Anton to display his exceptional racing skills. With his consistency and unmatched speed, he conquered one race after another securing the championship of the Fastest Car Racing Series in the country, establishing himself as the fastest car racer in the Philippines. After constantly setting new lap records of the Radical SR1 in the Clark International Speedway, he became a force to reckon with.
In 2020, his talent shone bright at the 24 Hours Le Mans Virtual, one of the most prestigious racing events in the world. He, together with his teammates from Axle Sports, finished fourth overall, beating Formula 1 Superstar Max Verstappen and his team in the process. Against a highly competitive field of drivers, he demonstrated remarkable skill and unfaltering focus. His performance in the world renowned race further solidified his position as a young phenom in both physical and virtual motorsport arenas.
In his debut race in Formula 4 in the third round of F4 SEA held in Sepang, Malaysia, he showcased exceptional skill and adaptability, establishing himself as a phenomenon driver. His stellar performance in finishing fifth place was a testament to his ability to quickly adapt to a new car. In 2024, Anton clinched back to back rookie wins in Formula 4 Australia and the said impressive showing suggests a promising future in the world of formula racing.
Anton again showcased versatility by clinching a remarkable third place at the Taipei International Gymkhana Prize competing against 50 elite racers from 16 countries. He made his mark early on by setting the fastest time during official practice and consistently dominated in the top three positions throughout the qualifying and solo events, impressing with his precision and skills. His performance solidified his status as a world class contender in different disciplines of motorsports.
In a span of 12 years, he was able to carve a remarkable path in the car racing world. From dominating in slalom and autocross to excelling in higher tiers of motorsport, his journey was been one of unwavering dedication and sheer talent. Anton has continuously proven himself as a versatile and exceptional talent in the world of car racing. His relentless drive and remarkable skills enabled him to conquer various racing platforms, earning him a well deserved reputation as the fastest Filipino. By Dexter A. See
