Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory Programme expands with inclusion of Korean drivers

The Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory Programme 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 Programme and Genesis Magma Racing’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent, with the broader ambition of elevating motorsport awareness and engagement within Genesis’ 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 Programme for 2026 to concentrate on driver development. Shin and Lee join Genesis Magma Racing Official Reserve Driver Jamie Chadwick in the Trajectory Programme for the coming season.

Genesis Magma Racing Sporting Director Gabriele Tarquini said:

“The Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory Programme 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 Programme will solely focus on driver development. We will closely follow the progress of all our Trajectory driver 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.

His countryman Kyuho Lee, 17, refined his racecraft in karting championships – highlighted by his victory in the inaugural OK-N World Cup, a competition for drivers in 125cc-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 UK, 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 motorsport ambassadors for 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 Korea. The addition 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 motorsport 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 Programme. To be part of a Korean 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 Programme is a great step for me. progress on track. I believe this year will be an important foundation for the next stages of my career and I know can do it.”