WHAT IT TAKES TO BE FORMULA 1 DRIVER
Don’t think it’s easy.
It is very common listening to a child saying he would want to become a racer; however, only a few of them, actually manage to achieve such dream, because in order to be a real Formula 1 driver, it its needed much more than just feeling passion for racing, besides of millions of pesos.
WHAT IS EXACTLY A RACER?
A Formula 1 racer is a professional who contends Gran Prix races, which are car racing competitions between great opponents, also trying to get the victory in such tests to become the King of the World Championship at the end of the year.
IS IT NECCESARY TO STUDY TO BE A RACER?
Yes. Besides the regular school levels that everyone must complete, there are special schools to teach how to succeed in such races or in trainings, to get to F1.
However, the essential training of every racer is complete through the experience gained along competitions over the years. From the basic leagues to the GP, it is thanks to those little achievements that someone with his heart on it, gets to make his way.
REQUIREMENTS
There is only one way to make it to Formula 1, putting all the enthusiasm and dedicating full time on it. Starting at karting before the age of 8, investing a lot of effort with great discipline; spending a minimum of 300 thousand of Euros, which is equivalent to over six million of Mexican Pesos , all that before the age of 15; for later, going one step at a time. So, when the opportunity comes and conditions are set: it is mandatory to apply for a high-level competition license; called Super-license, issued by Automobile International Federation (FIA).
FIA is the supreme instance, sanctioning motor sports, issuing the applicable permits (licenses) for most of racing series in the world. A license must be paid and picked up at the local clubs of racing cars drivers at the regions corresponding to the race venue, and also through the national federations.
It must be needed to contend the “mono-brand” championships, where all racing cars are the same and the real performance measuring is conducted between racers in face-to-face tournaments.
Once success has been reached at these “mono-brand” cars competitions, it is time to race in a European Renault league, to give an example. And it shall be considered to invest at least more and more millions of Mexican Pesos, to ensure a good treatment for the entire season. With a lot of work and sacrifice, it shall be needed to wait to receive job offers from any of the “Top Category” teams.
The looming driver will have to be frequently between the first five in previous, classifications.
OTHER CATEGORIES
- Rally
- Slalom
- Karting
- Tourism
- Rally raid
- Stock Cars
- Mountain race
- Rallycross and autocross.
PROFESSIONAL OPTIONS
There are some professionals like Helmut Marko, who is working creation of quarries with some of the best drivers in the world, this Austrian, is Red Bull Junior Team’s promoter, from which some drivers such as Jaime Alguersuari, Daniel Ricciardo, Max Verstappen or Sebastian Vettel have arisen.
However, there are some others like: Ralf Schumacher in Germany; Martin Donnelly in England or Adrian Campos in Spain.
Fernando Alonso’s Karting school in Asturias, is another example. In Mexico, Antonio Perez Mendoza –Sergio’s brother– has a company also with that purpose.
In the United States there are some academies and promoters dedicated the education of prospects and guidance on their first steps.
Whether if it is competing on board racing cars thanks to sponsoring, or studying since the age of eight at racing schools they are only way to make it to Formula 1 as a racer.
It is not an easy path, but it certainly is one of the most exciting of the world.
