Comments on: Most Formula 1 drivers started go-karting at a very young age, is 16 too late to start?

By: pixelputa

pixelputa — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 03:43:54 +0000

Most drivers start really early. F1 champ Fernando Alonso started aged 3 and won his first race at age 7. But some drivers do start later. Tiago Monteiro started racing in his early 20s when he visited a track. It just depends on your progress as a driver and how hard you work at it.

By: josefiend2000

josefiend2000 — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 01:34:40 +0000

It is never too late, but I started racing go karts at 5 yrs old & I still have a day job.

By: kartlink.com

kartlink.com — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 16:29:51 +0000

There’s no reason why you shouldn’t get there, apart from money, but that’s the same for everyone.

You should spend as long as you can in karting though, at least try to race at European or World standard. The temptation will be to go into car racing as soon as you are halfway competent but if you look at the most successful F1 drivers they tend to be the drivers who spent a long time in karting and then just a few years in cars.

By: Fernanda

Fernanda — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 21:25:44 +0000

I think so, at the age of 16 most of the formula one drivers are already in formula 3, michael schumahcer started karting when he was only 9. I hope I can be a formula one driver as well, I am younger than you, but I think it is already too late for me. but dont give up, you ll still be a good driver.

By: unknown

unknown — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:55:30 +0000

No way go for it .

By: MC Hummer

MC Hummer — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:59:34 +0000

Japan’s Keiko Ihara didn’t start racing until she was 25 (after being a “race bunny”). She’s in the British F3 series now at age 32 (though she’ll never make it to F1 unless Super Aguri desperately want another Japanese driver).

Kimi Raikkonen drove only 20 races at lower Formulae before joining F1; most drivers spend five years or more.

Luc Alphand won the Dakar Rally last year (plus finishing top-10 at Le Mans) and he didn’t start racing until he was in his mid-30s, after his World Cup Skiing career (1997 World Champion) was over.

It’s a matter of talent, not age. But unless you advance quickly (and have deep pockets), chances are you won’t go far.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:45:32 +0000

actually it doesn’t matter when you start go karts. It just makes your sucess in formula 1 later. Most people do start go karting around 6 or 7 though.

By: bullriderkid

bullriderkid — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:37:44 +0000

Both of my kids starting racing Quarter Midgets at age 5. My oldest who is 16 will start in the Legends series next Spring. Karts are the way to go for an F1 style of Motorsports but unfortunatley at 16 you have missed out on 10 years worth of experience. That being said that does not mean you can not ever race. Look at the legends series or the allison legacy series, SCCA or even Karts. Its never to late to be a racer

By: ka250

ka250 — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:33:31 +0000

Most drivers in any top series(F1, NASCAR, Indy, Champ Car, etc.) start at an early age. However, I believe it was Scott Speed or Scott Sharp who won the Indy title several years ago actually started racing at 27! I guess he was just a natural, but at that age it would still be hard to convince people of your talent just because of your lack of experience. Good luck!

By: caroline1409f1

caroline1409f1 — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:13:12 +0000

If you’re good enough you might make it. I think the difference is that when they start young, people get to know them, their name, and their skill. Good luck – if it’s what you want to do you should go for it.