We look at five young racers who are all on track to make the F1 grid of future.
Name: Daniel Juncadella
Nationality: Spain
Series: Formula BMW Europe
The 18-year-old from Barcelona took the 2007 Formula Master Junior title in Spain and then last year moved up to Formula BMW, where he won two races, finishing in fourth position overall. In keeping with the old motor racing adage of ‘a year to learn, a year to win’ Daniel again races in Formula BMW this year. So far it’s going well, with Juncadella lying fourth in the drivers’ title chase, scoring third in Barcelona and repeating the performance in both races at Zandvoort. “After an apprentice year in 2008 I’m very optimistic and confident for this season,” he says. “Now I know all the tracks, the procedures and the various racing situations, too. Of course the title is my big goal!”
Name: Daniel Ricciardo
Nationality: Australia
Series: British Formula 3
British Formula 3 is currently the hot ‘step-up’ series in world motorsport. Last year’s third-place driver, Brendon Hartley has already spent time as Red Bull Racing’s reserve driver in F1 and 2008 winner Jaime Alguersuari, the youngest-ever champion, is soon to make his debut for Scuderia Toro Rosso. And now Daniel Ricciardo is set to follow in the tracks of these two successful Red Bull Juniors. Ricciardo took the Formula Renault 2.0 WEC title in 2008 and this year has moved into the F3 seat vacated by Alguersuari at Carlin Motorsport. It’s already been a good switch with Ricciardo currently leading the championship having scored three wins and two second places in a remarkable run of results. Definitely one to watch.
Name: Robert Wickens
Nationality: Canada
Series: Formula 2
Last year, Robert Wickens was probably the busiest young driver on the planet, competing in no less than three major series, A1 GP, WSR and Euro F3. This season he’s narrowed the focus and is contesting the new Formula 2 series, seen by sporting regulator the FIA as a major new stepping stone towards an F1 career. And the Canadian is seizing the opportunity with both hands. He currently lies second in the championship and is pressing hard as the season heads toward its final run of races.
Name: Alex Albon
Nationality: Great Britain
Series: KF3 Euro Karting, Super 1 KF3 Karting UK
We might have to wait a few years for Alex to make his debut on the F1 grid, but given his current form, it sure looks like the 13-year-old has what it take to follow in Lewis Hamilton’s tracks. A winner in virtually every kart series he’s race in, Alex is currently in the thick of the fight for both championships he’s comepeting in this year. A move to single seaters might be a few years away yet but every F1 driver worth his salt has learned his craft in karting and Alex’s progress so far marks him out as a star of the future.
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