Vietnam’s first driver at the Macau Grand Prix
Vietnam is not a country traditionally associated with motorsport, but this weekend the Macau Grand Prix will feature its very first driver from the nation, Nguyễn Owen Tangavelou.
Born to a Flemish–Polish mother and a Vietnamese father, Tangavelou grew up in the suburbs of Paris. He began his career with a year of regional karting before stepping up to French Formula 4 in 2020. Since then, he has steadily climbed the motorsport ladder and will now compete in the highly competitive Macau Grand Prix – FIA Formula Regional World Cup race.
He is understandably proud to take on the challenge of racing at such an iconic event. Speaking to MNA, Tangavelou said: “Competing in the Macau Grand Prix is already a special moment for any driver, but doing it while representing Vietnam makes it even more meaningful. Even if I was born in France, my Vietnamese roots are a big part of who I am, and raising that flag on such a legendary circuit means a lot to me.”
He added: “Racing in Macau is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If I was told earlier in my career that I would race in Macau one day, I would never have believed it. I’m incredibly excited and grateful to drive at Macau with Saintéloc Racing team.”
Like many drivers from Vietnam, Tangavelou has faced significant challenges with sponsorship, as there is little motorsport culture in the country. The Vietnam Grand Prix, which was meant to debut on the Formula 1 calendar in 2020 on the streets of Hanoi, promised to be a boost for local motorsport. However, the race was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic, and subsequent political and logistical complications — including the arrest of the Hanoi race promoter — led to its permanent removal from the calendar.
“Since the beginning, the biggest challenge has been funding,” he explains. “Motorsport is an extremely expensive world, and without a proper budget, it’s hard to move forward.”
The 20-year-old has already made history in Europe, becoming the first Vietnamese driver to secure pole positions, podiums, fastest laps and wins in Eurocup-3 and the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine as a rookie. He is also proud to be the first Vietnamese winner of the Tilton Hard Charger Award in the US USF Pro 2000 series.
“I’ve often had to fight to find sponsors, sometimes up until the last minute before a season. So I can’t choose the best teams, but those challenges built my mental strength. They taught me to never give up, to stay focused on improving, and to keep pushing on track even if you are driving for a small team which needs your help.”
Future at stake
Even with an impressive overseas career, Tangavelou faces an uncertain future. He doubts he will sit in a racing car again after the Macau Grand Prix.
“I got many offers for the 2026 season — from F2 to F3, an Indy NXT seat in America, even a FROC seat — that I unfortunately have to decline because of a lack of budget and sponsors.”
Even support from motorsport legend Emerson Fittipaldi Sr., who requested Vietnamese government backing via video, did not yield assistance. Tangavelou has contacted numerous Vietnamese companies worldwide, but without positive responses.
“I feel a deep sadness knowing this will be the last race of my career. Every single day, the closer we get, the more terrified I feel, terrified not of the race itself, but of the idea I will have to close this incredible journey. I am more determined to give everything I have on track. My preparation has been going really well, even after breaking my hand. I’m ready to fight, to enjoy every lap, and to make this last one unforgettable.”
If he could secure support to continue racing at the highest level, whether in Formula 2 or Indy NXT, Tangavelou believes he has the potential to succeed:
“These championships are stepping stones to the world’s elite, and I know I have the potential to succeed there. But today, I can’t do it alone. Motorsport requires significant resources, which is why I would like Vietnam to support me in this project — through companies, institutions, or patrons who believe in the value of sport and national representation.”
This weekend, he will carry the Vietnamese flag with pride in the 72nd Macau Grand Prix, hoping to keep it shining on circuits around the world.
“With Vietnam’s support, this dream can become a collective reality, not just mine alone.”
Macaubusiness.com – November 15, 2025