Lily-May Watkins returns for GB4 sophomore campaign with KMR Sport
- RACERS
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Lily-May Watkins will continue her journey in the GB4 Championship after confirming her return with KMR Sport for a second season in 2026.
Lily-May Watkins will continue her journey in the GB4 Championship after confirming her return with KMR Sport for a second season in 2026. The 18-year-old, who made her car-racing debut with the multiple title-winning team in 2025, is aiming to build on an encouraging rookie campaign as she continues her progression in single-seaters.
Watkins entered the championship last year with limited car-racing experience but showed steady improvement throughout the season. Growing more confident with each round, Watkins became a consistent points finisher and claimed her best result at Oulton Park, where she secured a top-10 finish in treacherous, weather-affected conditions.
Her first season marked a significant step up from her background in karting and Esports, where she first began competing in 2019; Watkins' early successes included third place in the 2020 Rye House Lando Cup and a run to the semi-finals of the 2023 British Indoor Karting Championship.
With a full year of single-seater experience now under her belt, Watkins has already resumed preparations for 2026, embarking on an extensive pre-season testing programme alongside KMR Sport well-established squad.
“I am really excited to be competing in GB4 again next year with KMR Sport,” Watkins said. “Being my first year in cars the step was quite challenging, but with the team’s help I progressed immensely throughout the season."
“This year we’ve seen progress, but next year I believe we can fight further up the grid and hopefully challenge for the female championship.”
The GB4 Championship awards a €50,000 prize fund to the top finishing female towards a potential F1 Academy seat. The first recipient of the award was Alisha Palmowski in 2024, with Ava Dobson securing the award in 2025.
”Lily made excellent progress with us in 2025, and we’re very pleased that we’re going to continue working together next year", KMR Sport Team Principal Kevin Mills echoed the optimism. "Now she has a full year’s experience, we’re looking to help her take the next step up in her performance levels and challenge for the top female driver prize."
“We’ve seen enough potential from her this year to know she’s capable of fighting further up the order, and Tom [Mills] and the rest of the team will push her hard as we look to unlock further breakthroughs in performance.”
Watkins’ return represents the first female driver confirmed for the 2026 GB4 Championship to date, as she will aim to translate her development into regular top-ten results.
