Ahead of his return to single-seaters in 2026 in GB4, Conor Grant spoke to Pit Debrief in an exclusive interview about joining the Eddie Jordan foundation, representing Ireland in Motorsport, and to try and claim an Irish 1-2-3 in the aforementioned series this year.
Towards the end of last year, the driver from County Wexford was acceped into the Eddie Jordan Foundation.
The 20th of March marks a year since the legendary Irish F1 team owner and pundit passed away following a brave battle against cancer. Later in 2025, the Eddie Jordan Foundation was created.
On the website, it says the following about it.
“The Eddie Jordan Foundation exists to unlock potential.
“Through mentorship, education, and entrepreneurship, we provide access to world-class learning, real-world experiences, and networks that open doors, especially for those who might not otherwise have the chance.
“Our mission is to inspire ambition, enable opportunity, and create pathways for the next generation of leaders, innovators, and dreamers to thrive.”
Conor Grant on the importance and pride of being part of the Eddie Jordan Foundation
Even though the 18-year-old was not yet born when Jordan Grand Prix was around and successful in F1 with four victories, he is aware of the significance of representing the Foundation and the story of the legendary character that was Eddie Jordan.
He feels the journey he is on is very similar. Despite setbacks, Grant and his family will not give up on his racing dream.
“That was kind of one of the big turning points for us, getting accepted onto the Jordan Foundation.
“And I mean, what they’re doing to bring Eddie’s legacy on is incredible. And just being able to carry the Jordan name and be a part of that is so incredible for me. Because obviously growing up here in Ireland, we don’t have much access to F1.
“And Eddie Jordan himself, he made it on his own. He’s the last real entrepreneur of F1.
“And it’s very similar, his journey to F1 is what we’re doing now. We’re never giving up.
“And as he said, FTB [f*** the begrudgers]. So it’s the never giving up, always believing in yourself and backing yourself. That was his big thing.
“That’s kind of what we’ve taken on is, ‘look, he didn’t give up, we’re not giving up.’
“And it’s one of the most important milestones in my journey off track that I’ve ever had, was being accepted into the Jordan programme.”
Representing Ireland in Motorsport
The 2020s has been a decade where Irish drivers making it to single-seaters has exploded.
On this side of the Atlantic it started with Alex Dunne in 2021. The Offaly driver is now in F2. He should be a title contender in 2026. Fionn McLaughlin, a fellow British F4 champion, will join him on select Grand Prix weekends as he makes the step up to F3.
James Roe will continue his bid to make it to IndyCar in Indy NXT with Chip Ganassi Racing.
Conor Grant talked about his pride of competing for Ireland in Motorsport.
“I mean, look, carrying the Irish flag has been incredible.
“In karting, I was able to go to two world championships to carry the Irish flag. And then now carrying it into F4, and when I was carrying it in the US, obviously Ireland has such a huge diaspora in the US.
“So being able to carry the Irish flag has been incredible. I’m very proud to be Irish, our small little country.
“And I hope to just follow the path of Irish drivers, Derek Daly, Alex [Dunne] and everybody, and to be able to bring this small country with me everywhere I go, it’s incredible.”
An Irish 1-2-3 in GB4 at some point?
Following his return from the US scene, it is very clear Conor Grant is confident he can do well. Driving for Douglas Motorsport alongside Dayton Coulthard fellow Irishman Jason Smyth, he was very happy with his performances and speed in testing before 2025 came to a close.
With a third Irishman on the GB4 grid in Alex O’Grady who is driving for KMR Sport after winning at Oulton Park last campaign with them, there is a potential shot at history with an all-Irish podium in a Formula 4 category.
In fact, Kayleigh Cole could make it four Irish drivers on the grid. The Cork woman is trying to secure the funding to be on the grid in 2026.
Alongside his personal aims, the 1-2-3 of the confirmed drivers is something the driver from Wexford would like to happen.
“And then, yeah, going into next year, our goal is to go out, do what we know we can, pretty much just prove ourselves on the English grid, which we know we can do.
“We definitely got the pace to do it, as we’ve seen in the three tests that we did in Silverstone and Oulton Park. And yeah, we’ve got a great team behind us.
“Obviously, me and Jason are going to be working together. So hopefully, yeah, we can bring home a 1-2-3.
“And obviously, Alex [O’Grady] has two years of F4 experience. I spoke to Alex a good bit, we’re good friends.
“So hopefully enough, yeah, we can all work together and have a full Irish podium.”
