2026 Formula Wing World Championship: New Zealand's Kosta Gladiadis, Sean Herbert into quarter-finals of medal series in Istanbul

Kiwis Kosta Gladiadis and Sean Herbert have continued their blistering international form, both securing places in the Formula Wing World Championship medal series in Istanbul.

The pair produced consistently strong performances across the 12-race gold fleet series, with Gladiadis qualifying seventh overall and Herbert eighth.

Gladiadis recorded seven top-10 finishes, including a standout second-place result, to comfortably secure his place in the medal series.

Herbert was equally impressive, posting eight top-10 finishes and a best result of fourth to finish just one place behind his fellow Kiwi.

Both riders will now enter the knockout phase at the quarter-final stage, with the world title on the line.

Kosta Gladiadis has qualified for the medal series in seventh. Photos / Robert Hajduk, IWSA Media

Only the top nine riders qualified directly for the men’s medal series, with Italy’s Francesco Cappuzzo and Alessandro Tomasi securing direct qualification to the grand final. Italy will have three representatives in the medal series, alongside three riders from France, two from New Zealand and Poland’s Kamil Manowiecki.

The unpredictable and gusty conditions on the Bosphorus made for a challenging final day of qualifying, with the chasing pack given opportunities to close the gaps at the top of the leaderboard.

There is one final opportunity for those who missed out on the top nine, with the winner of Saturday’s Golden Ticket race joining the quarter-finals to complete the 10-rider medal series fleet.

Sean Herbert will join teammate Kosta Gladiadis in the quarter-finals. Photos / Robert Hajduk, IWSA Media

The Formula Wing World Championship medal series will be livestreamed, with racing getting underway from 11pm tonight (NZ time).

Watch the medal series live and follow the action here.

Click here for the latest results and standings.