In 2011, John McPhee took 10th place in his rookie year in the FIM CEV 125 Championship in Spain, whilst getting wildcard entries to three World Championship Grands Prix. In 2012 he returned to the CEV in the new 250cc four-stroke Moto3™ category, where he came seventh after two podiums. He also contested eight wildcards in the Moto3™ World Championship, with a best finish of 15th in Brno. For 2013 he made the step up full time to world stage, as he took the vacant seat in the Racing Team Germany squad. He remained with the team in 2014 and improved his pace and results, earning himself another ride for 2015. Their efforts were rewarded in 2015 with a debut podium in Indianapolis thanks to a tyre gamble and the pairing chose to continue their relationship into 2016, but on new Peugeot machinery. McPhee took his first win in Brno in 2016, and for 2017 changed to the new British Talent Team on a Honda. Taking a host of podiums and front row starts, as well as a pole position, the Scot ended the season in seventh after his best ever year. He switched to KTM and CIP-Green Power for 2018, and before moving onto another new challenge with Petronas Sprinta Racing. The move helped him earn a first win in three years at the French GP, while the Scot had also added to his collection of podium finishes before claiming another win at San Marino GP in 2020. Three DNFs and a 23rd place finish ensured a frustrating start to 2021 for the number 17, and in reality, it proved an underwhelming season in Moto3™ for McPhee with just one podium finish, at the Americas GP, to his name. However, a debut on Moto2™ machinery with Petronas Sprinta Racing in Aragon was undoubtedly a highlight for the seasoned Scot. Following the dissolution of the Petronas teams, McPhee has secured himself a seat with Sterilgarda Max Racing Team for 2022.