British F4 title would mean everything - McLaughlin

Red Bull Junior driver Fionn McLaughlin says winning the British F4 title at Brands Hatch "would mean everything".

The 17-year-old from Northern Ireland holds a 61.5-point lead with three races remaining at the final round.

Such is the size of his lead, McLaughlin can secure the title in Saturday's opening race.

In his first season of single-seater racing, McLaughlin wrapped up the British F4 rookie championship with two rounds to spare.

"It would mean everything. I haven't won a championship since I was seven years old," McLaughlin told BBC Sport NI.

"You work your whole life towards these things. To be a rookie champion and a British F4 champion would be amazing.

"This year I've done well and I've put myself in a good spot to take the championship."

McLaughlin became a member of Red Bull Racing's junior team when he won a shootout at Jerez last year.

He has impressed as he stepped up to British F4, and he has won five races and claimed seven other podiums.

The Hitech Grand Prix driver holds a 61.5-point lead over Jimmy Piszcyk and Martin Molnar, and needs a margin of 42 points at the end of Saturday's race to wrap up the title at Brands Hatch before Sunday's final two races.

"Coming into the last round I am 61.5 points ahead which is great. I'm pleased with how it has went and I'm grateful for how I've done.

"I can wrap it up after race one on Saturday, but I'm not really focusing on that. I just want to do a good job and enjoy this weekend as it's my last weekend racing in F4.

"When you've a big lead the pressure disappears. If I was coming into the weekend only 10 or 20 points ahead then I would feel a lot more pressure.

"To come away with a couple more wins before the end of the season would be great."

McLaughlin feels he has matured as a driver throughout the season and says that has "helped me do a good job".

He has spoken about his dreams of making it to Formula 1 in the future, but says his full focus on the final weekend of the F4 season.

"I just want to do the best I can and that's what I'll keep doing," McLaughlin said.

"A full season of single-seater racing can change you a lot as a driver, and hopefully I can learn for the future and keep doing a good job.

"That's [the future] not for me to worry about. I'll just keep doing my job and keep winning races and let the bosses behind the scenes make those decisions."