British racing driver Will Macintyre has revealed that he has been diagnosed with brain and lung cancer.
The youngster had been racing in GB3, well on his way to progressing through the ranks towards the top of single-seater racing, before being struck with the shock diagnosis.
He won the GB3 race at Silverstone back in April when he was racing for Elite Motorsport, but revealed in a post on social media that he had not been feeling well recently.
He said: “This is a very different post to usual, but I’ll just spit it out.
Will Macintyre shared the devastating news on social media
|“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!
“The amazing team at Milton Keynes Hospital have already been incredible in helping put a plan together for how I’m going to fight this.”
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The 18-year-old confirmed he would not be racing anytime soon but that he would return to the track as soon as he is able.
He wrote: “Unfortunately, this does mean I won’t be racing for the foreseeable future.
“But rest assured the second I’m able to, I’ll be back behind the wheel where I belong.
“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.”
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Will Macintyre had been racing in GB3 and tipped as a rising star in racing
|Racing drivers from all over the world have sent their best wishes to the teenager as he aims to make a speedy recovery.
Formula 2 driver Sebastian Montoya commented, “Get well soon mate. Wish you all the best.”
Porsche driver Chloe Grant also offered well wishes, saying: “So sorry to hear this Will. Wishing you a speedy recovery.”
Fans also shows an outpouring of support online.
One fan said: “Get well soon Will, we're all with you.”
Another said: “We’re all behind you, Will. Sending strength, support, and our very best to you and your family. Stay strong.”
And a third commented: “Wishing you all the best and a speedy recovery! You’re a strong kid. We all know you can beat this.”
Macintyre’s team, Elite Motorsport, also took the time to release a statement, saying: “It's important that we stand alongside Will Macintyre as he shares his journey.
“Over the past few months, Will hasn't quite felt himself and, following recent tests, he has now been diagnosed with both brain and lung cancer. Anyone who knows Will knows the strength and determination he carries both on and off the track.
“With the incredible support of the team at Milton Keynes Hospital, a treatment plan is already in place, and the fight is underway. For now, this does mean that Will will not be racing, but his passion for the sport remains undiminished.
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Will Macintyre's team Elite Motorsport released a statement following the news
|“The moment he's able, he'll be back behind the wheel where he belongs.
“As a team, our priority is to support Will and his family through every step of this challenge. Will is, and always will be, a huge part of Elite Motorsport. Together, we'll face this detour head-on."
The teen won the Italian Karting Championship in 2016 before finishing second in the 2022 Ginetta Junior Championship and the 2023 British F4 Championship.
The GB3 Championship Macintyre was racing in has curated talents such as George Russell, Lando Norris, Ollie Bearman, and Jamie Chadwick in recent years.