Formula 1: a world of roaring engines, mind-bending speeds, and… baby fat? Yes, believe it or not, before they were conquering circuits like Monaco and Silverstone, many of our favorite young F1 drivers were busy mastering the art of toddling and perfecting the vroom-vroom sounds of toy cars. Back then, their most significant challenges weren’t tire degradation or aerodynamics but evading nap times and negotiating for that extra cookie.
Let’s take a pit stop down memory lane, where the grand arenas of motorsport were once playgrounds and schoolyards. Helmets? Those were for biking in the backyard. The need for speed? Making sure they reached the ice cream truck in time.
These once-chubby-cheeked racers, who could barely pronounce ‘Ferrari,’ would one day morph into the lean, mean, racing machines we cheer for on Sundays. And while today’s daring overtakes might earn them a spot on the podium, back then, such maneuvers would’ve earned a stern “time out” from mom.
Join us as we trace the journey of each F1 driver from tricycles to the sleek F1 machines, it’s hard not to chuckle at the contrast. Remember, every sharply dressed F1 driver, gracefully stepping out of their car in the paddock, was once a messy kid with spaghetti sauce smeared across their face, dreaming of the fast lane.
And who knew that dream would take them from racing their shadows to chasing championship titles on the world stage?
F1 Young Drivers – Young Alex Albon
From karting tracks to the global stage, Alex Albon’s journey into the world of motor racing has been nothing short of inspiring.
Displaying prowess and determination from a young age, Albon has emerged as one of the most promising talents in the current racing generation.
Follow this link to read more about his career before F1 – Link
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F1 Young Drivers – Young Fernando Alonso
Young Fernando Alonso started his journey to the zenith of motor racing – not on the grand tracks of Formula One – but rather in the intimate settings of family gatherings and hand-built karts.
He transitioned to single seaters in 2019, and the rest, as they say, is history!
Follow this link to read more about his career before F1 – Link
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F1 Young Drivers – Young Valtteri Bottas
The journey of young Valtteri Bottas in the world of motor racing is a tale of talent, determination, and impressive accolades.
Starting in karting through to the different formula’s and ultimately the driver in F1 who we know today.
Follow this link to read more about his career before F1 – Link
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F1 Young Drivers – Young Pierre Gasly
Young Pierre Gasly’s racing journey, marked by passion, talent, and resilience, began on karting tracks under the watchful eyes of his father.
On his journey to F1 the young Pierre Gasly raced in karts, Formula Renault, GP2, Super Formula and Formula E.
Follow this link to read more about his career before F1 – Link
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F1 Young Drivers – Young Zhou Guanyu
Zhou Guanyu has etched his name into motor racing history as the first Chinese driver to ascend to the pinnacle of motorsport: Formula 1.
He is not a token driver by any means and has excelled and shown he has the ability to dominate the racing in the lower ranks.
Follow this link to read more about his career before F1 – Link
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F1 Young Drivers – Young Lewis Hamilton
Young Lewis Hamilton started his journey to Formula One (F1) stardom with his karting debut in 1993. By age ten, he had already claimed the title of the youngest winner of the British cadet karting championship.
A memorable encounter at the Autosport Awards had 10-year-old Hamilton telling McLaren F1 team boss Ron Dennis, “One day I want to be racing your cars.” To which Dennis responded, hinting at a future partnership, “Phone me in nine years.”
The rest is well known as the seven times world champion fights in his quest for an 8th.
Follow this link to read more about his career before F1 – Link
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F1 Young Drivers – Young Nico Hülkenberg
From a young age, young Nico Hülkenberg showcased a deep passion for motorsports, a pursuit wholeheartedly supported by his family.
His progress through the different motorsport categories was impressive. Proof that only the truly superb and exceptional drivers make it into F1.
Follow this link to read more about his career before F1 – Link
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F1 Young Drivers – Young Charles Leclerc
In the world of motorsports, few talents have risen as meteorically as young Charles Leclerc. His journey from a young karting enthusiast to a recognized racing sensation is nothing short of remarkable.
Given the right car, he is capable of driving at the front of the grid. He is one of the few drivers who is capable of taking on the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
Follow this link to read more about his career before F1 – Link
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F1 Young Drivers – Young Kevin Magnussen
From his early beginnings on Denmark’s karting tracks Kevin Magnussen has dominated international racing circuits. Young Kevin Magnussen’s motorsport journey is one of unyielding determination and undeniable talent.
It has taken an extraordinary amount of skill and perseverance to get to where he is racing for Haas in F1.
Follow this link to read more about his career before F1 – Link
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F1 Young Drivers – Young Lando Norris
Since the tender age of seven young Lando Norris, has made waves in the racing world.
From karting to being the lead McLaren F1 driver Lando has surpassed every expectation. He now stands with a real chance to challenge Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
Follow this link to read more about his career before F1 – Link
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F1 Young Drivers – Young Esteban Ocon
From the karting tracks of France to the prestigious circuits of Formula One, young Esteban Ocon has journeyed through the racing world in a remarkable way.
Even as a child, young Esteban Ocon was no stranger to the roar of engines and the thrill of speed. His family, recognizing his budding passion, often took him to watch karting races. It wasn’t just about watching for long; Ocon was destined to be on the track.
Follow this link to read more about his career before F1 – Link
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F1 Young Drivers – Young Oscar Piastri
From radio-controlled cars to the prestigious Formula 2 podium, Oscar Piastri’s ascent in the racing world has been nothing short of breathtaking.
He has dominated each series that he has raced in and is achieving remarkable results in his rookie year at McLaren.
Follow this link to read more about his career before F1 – Link
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F1 Young Drivers – Young Sergio Perez
Like many elite Formula 1 drivers, young Sergio Perez started his journey very early. As a child, he was already making waves in the karting arena. He secured four impressive victories in his debut year of 1996.
By 1997, still a fresh face in the youth series, he claimed a remarkable win. He achieved five podium finishes, and a commendable fourth place in the championship.
This early start was a taste of the triumphs that followed.
Follow this link to read more about his career before F1 – Link
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F1 Young Drivers – Young Daniel Ricciardo
Daniel Ricciardo has shown his potential from the karting tracks to making a splash in the world of F1. His racing journey has been nothing short of exhilarating. He has been involved in major accidents and has struggled with bad career decisions.
Despite this, the Smiling Assassin has never lost his sense of humor or his drive to get to the top.
Follow this link to read more about his career before F1 – Link
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Young George Russel
Taking the traditional path to F1, Young George Russel achieved many successes across various classes have been nothing short of extraordinary.
Now racing alongside Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes F1 team, he is proving his ability – and his worth to a struggling team. Added to his skill levels, George has an exceptionally string fair play ethic – he won’t speak badly of other drivers, even when he has been wronged.
This combination of talent and ethics make George the consummate sportsman.
Follow this link to read more about his career before F1 – Link
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Young Carlos Sainz (Jr)
When delving into the early stages of every elite Formula One driver’s career, karting often emerges as the foundational steppingstone. For the gifted young Carlos Sainz, this held true.
His impressive escapades before ascending to Formula One showcased not only his innate talent but also his unwavering determination. Being one of the 2 F1 drivers is a fitting position for this incredibly talented F1 driver.
Follow this link to read more about his career before F1 – Link
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Young Logan Sargeant
As the only American in the current generation of F1 drivers (since Michael Andretti in 1993), young Logan Sargeant has a lot to prove. The pressure is on as has additional challenges to address.
While Williams’ second-year driver, Alex Albon, serves as a reliable benchmark, this also means that he has proven difficult to surpass.
It has not been an easy journey and will only get more difficult – with his proven history of tenacity and skill, Logan is well placed to meet the challenge head on.
Follow this link to read more about his career before F1 – Link
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Young Lance Stroll
Hailing from a family deeply rooted in the world of motorsport, young Lance Stroll’s passion for racing was ignited at a young age.
With his undeniable talent and unwavering determination, he quickly made a name for himself on the track, leaving fans and competitors in awe.
While he is struggling in the current season, he has the talent and perseverance to push through and prove what he is made of.
Follow this link to read more about his career before F1 – Link
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Young Yuki Tsunoda
From chubby cheeks to racing maestro. Yuki Tsunoda stands out as the first Japanese racer to grace Formula One since Kamui Kobayashi in 2014. Young Yuki Tsunoda, right from the start, was earmarked as a prodigious talent in Formula One.
His early interest in motorsport, fueled by a fascination with the thrill of speed and advanced car technology, was undeniable. Though his parents harbored concerns about the inherent dangers of racing, preferring an academic focus for their son, Tsunoda’s passion for racing remained undeterred.
Follow this link to read more about his career before F1 – Link
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Young Max Verstappen
From chubby cheeked child to F1 world champion, in under 25 years. From karting championships in Belgium to making waves in the Formula Three Championship, Young Max Verstappen embarked on a journey in motorsport that is nothing short of remarkable.
He has carried on with the projectile and is now two-time world champion (possibly 3 time in 2023). He is the dominant driver on the grid, in much the same way that Lewis Hamilton was in previous years.
Follow this link to read more about his career before F1 – Link
