Maximilian Günther will return to Prema Powerteam for a second consecutive season, with his primary aim to capture the 2017 FIA European Formula 3 Championship crown.
The German finished runner-up in the series in last year to new Williams Martini Racing driver Lance Stroll, taking four wins along the way, and will be one of the drivers to beat this year as he remains with the powerhouse Prema team.
Günther admitted there were alternatives presented to him as to where to race in 2017, but felt remaining in European Formula 3 was the best option to enable him the opportunity to progress his career.
“The series is considered to be the world’s strongest formula racing series for juniors,” said Günther. “There were alternatives, but as far as I’m concerned, this was the overall package that suited me best.
“Winning the title of European championship runner-up last year was a major success for me, but as a racing driver, you always want to achieve more, so my goal this year has to be to win the championship, for sure.
“With the help of the guys from Prema and the support of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, I reckon I have an excellent chance of making the move up into Formula 1 or into the DTM.”
Günther admits that being one of the championship favourites will put more pressure on his shoulders, but the German knows that he will have to withstand that pressure if he is to succeed at the highest levels.
“It’s certainly an incentive and feels nice to be among the title favourites,” admitted Günther. “Sure, it also adds extra pressure, but when your goal is to drive in the top echelons of motor racing and be successful there, you have to withstand that pressure.
“I’ve consistently proven over the past few years that I can handle pressure well, which is why I’m already looking forward to the new season and will again do my best.”
