The 2020 Formula 2 runner-up Callum Ilott has taken a trip down memory lane in a special film shot at his home karting track.
The 22-year-old discusses how Rye House Kart Raceway – which also offered some of Lewis Hamilton’s first experiences of racing – kickstarted his love of motorsport and taught him many of the skills he still uses today.
The Ferrari test driver also completes some laps while providing some insight into the popular Hertfordshire circuit.
“This is where I learned how to race and how to become the driver that I am today,” Ilott explained in the video.
“There’s a hairpin where I learned most of my braking skills. At that point Steve, my mechanic and coach at the time, basically forced me to brake as late as possible. The first couple of times, obviously, you panic when you’re young and you go a little beyond what’s probably the ideal line but then you learn to adapt and get as close to the apex as possible, braking as late as possible.”
The Brit, also a reserve for Alfa Romeo, relives karting battles with Lando Norris and Dan Ticktum in the six-minute offering produced by one of his sponsors, Adrian Flux.
The Ferrari Academy Driver recalls his journey to the cusp on an F1 seat before offering some advice to the next generation of drivers.
Ilott added: “With any sport you have to enjoy what you do. There’s no point doing it because someone else wants you to, or for the sake of doing it.
“There’s a reason I love this sport and there’s a reason I do this sport, because I just love driving. You can put me in a rental car, a golf buggy or a Formula 1 car and I’ll still push it the same. I’ll still really love it.
“To the younger guys, go out and find what you enjoy. If it’s motorsport, awesome. Work hard, lots of practice, find your feet and pursue it.”