- The Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory Program will expand in 2026 with the inclusion of two Korean drivers aiming to forge a career in professional motorsport
- Michael Shin and Kyuho Lee will compete in the FIA Formula 3 Championship and GB3 Championship, respectively
- Genesis Magma Racing’s support of the two drivers is a key part of the team’s target to raise the profile and following of motorsport within South Korea
Le Castellet, France, 2 February 2026: The Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory Program will expand for the 2026 season with the inclusion of Korean drivers Michael Shin and Kyuho Lee, both aiming to carve out a career in professional motorsport. Their entry signals a new chapter for the Program and Genesis Magma Racing’s commitment to emerging talent, with the broader ambition of elevating motorsport awareness and engagement within the brand’s home country.
Shifting Focus Following Successful 2025 Season
The two Korean drivers, who will compete in single-seater series this season, show the changing focus of the Trajectory Program for 2026 to concentrate on driver development. Shin and Lee join Genesis Magma Racing Official Reserve Driver Jamie Chadwick in the Trajectory Program for the coming season.
Genesis Magma Racing Sporting Director Gabriele Tarquini said: “The Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory Program was incredibly successful in preparing us as a team for the FIA World Endurance Championship. It was a vital platform where Mathys Jaubert and Dani Juncadella could gain experience and show the capabilities that led to them becoming part of our 2026 team. This year, the Trajectory Program will solely focus on driver development. We will closely follow the progress of all our Trajectory drivers, supporting them in their motorsport careers.”
The two Korean drivers were selected based on the excellent results they have already scored in their young careers and their potential as they climb the racing ladder. Michael Shin, 21, secured his first race win in the 2022 F4 British Championship at Brands Hatch. Shin also has wins in the Euroformula Open and Formula Regional Oceania championships. Running with the HitechGP team, he will contest this year’s FIA Formula 3 Championship, which supports the Formula One World Championship at ten rounds of this year’s World Championship calendar, beginning at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne, Australia.
Kyuho Lee, 16, developed his racing in karting championships – highlighted by his victory in the inaugural OK-N World Cup, a competition for drivers in 125 cc engined karts. In 2025, he progressed into single-seater racing, debuting in the F4 Middle East and Spanish Championships and securing a podium finish in the F4 South East Asia Championship. This year, Lee will step up to the GB3 Championship with Elite Motorsport. Although based in the U.K., half of the series’ eight rounds are held on circuits across Europe, providing an ideal step to gain valuable circuit-racing experience and laying the groundwork for future moves into higher racing categories.
Both drivers will carry Genesis Magma Racing branding on their race suits and cars for the 2026 season, helping to raise awareness of the Genesis brand beyond endurance racing paddocks. Their participation complements the team’s broader efforts as it prepares for the debut of the GMR-001 Hypercar in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
New Drivers to Serve as Ambassadors for Motorsport in Korea
Since its formation in December 2024, Genesis Magma Racing has taken on the role of an ambassador for motorsport in Korea, working to cultivate deeper appreciation and excitement for motorsport within the country. The inclusion of two Korean drivers reflects this commitment and brings renewed visibility and aspiration to the sport in the country.
“One of our targets has always been to raise the profile of motorsport in South Korea,” said Genesis Magma Racing Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul. “We want to be the ambassadors of all motorsports for the country and supporting two top Korean talents is a key step, even while they race outside of sportscars, where our main focus is as a team. Both Michael and Kyuho clearly have the ambition and talent to build international racing careers, and I am proud that we can support them in their next steps.”
Michael Shin said: “I am delighted to be joining the Genesis Magma Racing family as part of the Trajectory Program. To be part of a team as one of the only Korean drivers racing abroad brings great pride to myself, my family and team. Having the support of such a brand helps create a path for my career, and starting together in FIA F3 is the perfect proving ground. I look forward to learning and progressing together and bringing great pride to the brand and Korea. A huge thank you the whole Genesis Magma Racing family for this opportunity.”
Kyuho Lee said: “Racing in Europe is a very important step for any driver who wants to build a serious motorsport career. Europe is where the highest level of competition, engineering knowledge and racing culture come together, and every race is an opportunity to learn and improve both technically and mentally. As a Korean driver, becoming part of the Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory Program is a great step for me. I believe this year will be an important foundation for the next stages of my career and I know can do it.”
About Genesis Motor Europe
Founded in Seoul, Genesis is a leader in premium electrified cars with a vibrant, distinctly Korean spirit and a commitment to unique hospitality and customer experience excellence.
The brand’s award-winning models GV60, Electrified G80 and Electrified GV70 are defined by advanced technologies, dynamic performance and Genesis’ distinctive ‘Athletic Elegance’ design philosophy.
Genesis is embarking on the next chapter of its journey, as a design-driven performance brand. Its first luxury high performance model, GV60 Magma, will arrive in Europe this year and Genesis Magma Racing will be competing in the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship.
Genesis launched in Europe in 2021 and is headquartered in Frankfurt. Genesis Motor Europe operates in Germany, Switzerland, and the UK and is expanding into four new markets this year - Italy, France, Spain and the Netherlands.
For more information about Genesis, please visit www.genesis.com.
