Teen Racing Star, 18, Steps Away from Track After Brain and Lung Cancer Diagnosis
British Formula 1 prospect Will Macintyre, one of the sport’s most promising young drivers, has been diagnosed with both brain and lung cancer at just 18 years old. The news has forced him to put his racing career on hold indefinitely as he undergoes treatment.
Macintyre revealed his diagnosis in a candid Instagram post on Wednesday, Sept. 17, explaining recent health struggles that had left him feeling off his game.
“This is a very different post to usual, but I’ll just spit it out,” he wrote. “Over the past few months, I haven’t quite felt myself and now it’s starting to make a bit more sense as to why. I’ve been diagnosed with both brain and lung cancer. Sadly, it’s as serious as it sounds!”
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Macintyre said the diagnosis means he will not be racing “for the foreseeable future.” Still, he struck a note of determination, promising fans and supporters that his return is only a matter of time. “Rest assured the second I’m able to, I’ll be back behind the wheel where I belong,” he added.
The young driver also expressed gratitude to his medical team, praising the care he has received at Milton Keynes Hospital in Eaglestone, located about 50 miles north of London. “I’m extremely thankful to the amazing team looking after me,” he noted.
Macintyre’s announcement drew an outpouring of support across the racing community, with fans, teams, and fellow drivers rallying around the teenager as he faces his biggest challenge yet—away from the track.
The 18-year-old driver, who celebrated his birthday on Aug. 14, currently competes in the GB3 Championship with Elite Motorsport.
This year, he claimed a victory at Silverstone and secured two podium finishes at Zandvoort and Hungaroring, according to Racingnews365.
Macintyre previously raced for Hitech Pulse-Eight in 2024. His early career is marked by notable successes, including finishing vice-champion in the 2023 British F4 Championship and runner-up in the 2022 Ginetta Junior Championship. He is also a former member of the Sauber Karting Team, where he honed the skills that propelled him into the upper tiers of British motorsport.
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As Macintyre faces this daunting health challenge, support has poured in from family, friends, and fellow drivers.
Jak Crawford, John Bennett, and Sebastian Montoya left messages of encouragement on Macintyre’s Instagram post, while his team, Elite Motorsport, issued a statement highlighting his resilience.
“Anyone who knows Will knows the strength and determination he carries both on and off the track,” an Elite spokesperson said, according to NationalWorld. “As a team, our priority is to support Will and his family through every step of this challenge.”
Macintyre, in turn, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support. “A massive thank you goes to my family and friends for their support and to everyone who continues to back me through this unexpected detour,” he wrote.