Born in Bundoora in 2006, Wharton began karting at the age of eight in his homeland of Australia. Following two years in Mini and Cadet karting he won eight out of ten races in his 2017 season, winning the Australian Championship in the process. Following that, he and his father moved to Europe to progress his career, where he spent four years contracted to Parolin, competing in various continental championships.[1]
Formula 4
2022
Starting his single-seater at the beginning of 2022, Wharton would compete in the Formula 4 UAE Championship with Abu Dhabi Racing, a team operated by Prema Racing.[2] The Australian dominated the first Dubai event, scoring three victories, and won the season-ending race at Yas Marina, taking home fifth in the standings.[3]
He remained with Prema for the European racing season, driving in the Italian F4 and ADAC F4 championships.[4] Just like during the winter, Wharton ended up fifth in both series, having obtained his only victory at the Nürburgring.[citation needed]
2023
Wharton once again partook in F4 UAE at the beginning of 2023, being part of the Mumbai Falcons.[5] After a consistent campaign, which included four wins and a total of eleven podiums across 15 races, the Australian clinched the title as a result of a last-round collision with title rival and teammate Tuukka Taponen.[6][7]
His European campaign with Prema in the Italian F4 Championship proved to be more challenging, as Wharton would end the year fourth in the standings despite a pair of wins at Spa-Francorchamps.[8][9] He also ended up finishing second in the three-round Euro 4 Championship with two wins and three further podiums, missing out on the title to teammate Ugo Ugochukwu.[10]
Wharton participated in the 2024 Macau Grand Prix with ART Grand Prix.[13] On lap 1 of the main race, Wharton crashed into the barriers at Lisboa, which caused a pileup that took him and several others out of the race.[14]
At the end of 2020 Wharton was chosen by Motorsport Australia to be one of its representatives for the FDA 2020 Scouting World Finals. He ended up winning the shootout, therefore gaining a place in the Ferrari Driver Academy.[18]
In December 2023, it was announced that Wharton would be leaving the FDA going into the 2024 season.[19]