Alex Lynn has taken a huge step towards his dream of becoming a Formula One racing driver after joining the Red Bull Junior Team programme.

It is the same programme that launched the F1 career of four-time World Champion and current Red Bull star Sebastian Vettel and the 20-year-old from Dunmow near Braintree is understandably excited about the doors his move could open up.

The move came about after he finished as top rookie driver and third overall in the European F3 Championship this year and capped a great 12 months by winning the prestigious Macau Grand Prix last month.

It was form that clearly caught the eye of Red Bull bosses and Lynn is ready to grasp his big opportunity.

He told the Gazette: “They were quite keen to get something done – as was I – so it was quite straightforward.

“It really didn’t take long to get something sorted.

“It is such a fantastic potential and if I have a good year I may be one year away from being a Formula One driver.

“Being in Formula One is the goal and this opportunity is a massive step forward for me.”

As well as Vettel the other three drivers in the Infiniti Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso Formula One squads, including the most recent graduate, Daniil Kvyat, all came through the Junior Team programme.

Alongside Lynn in the Red Bull Junior Team will be Spaniard Carlos Sainz Jr, 19, and 17-year-old Frenchman Pierre Gasly.

While Gasly and Sainz will race in the World Series by Renault 3.5 Championship next year, Lynn will contest GP3 with the Carlin team.