Every once in a while, a racing driver emerges with such incredible talent that it leaves the world with great anticipation. It's a feeling that transcends the ordinary, where time seems to slow down just a little. When you witness such talent for the first time, it's clear and obvious. It's exciting. I remember the first time I saw Ayrton Senna on the track, his skill and precision were simply mesmerizing. Every move he made, every corner he took, it was like watching a master craftsman at work.
Then came Mika Hakkinen, another driver who possessed that extraordinary talent that made you stop in your tracks. His ability to push the limits of his car and extract every ounce of performance from it was truly remarkable. He had a certain calmness and focus that radiated confidence. Watching him manoeuvre through the race, it was evident that he was a force to be reckoned with.
And then there was Lewis Hamilton, a driver who redefined what it meant to be talented on the track. From the moment he burst onto the scene, it was clear that he possessed a rare combination of raw speed, tactical prowess, and fierce determination. His ability to adapt to any situation and consistently deliver exceptional performances was nothing short of remarkable.
Now, a new and exciting talent is emerging in the world of sportscar racing, captivating the world once again. The youngest and most promising driver in recent memory, their presence on the track is electric. It's as if they were born to race, their instinctive understanding of the car and the limits of its capabilities is truly extraordinary. When they take to the track, it's impossible not to be captivated by their talent.
These drivers have the power to inspire, to push the boundaries of what is possible, and to leave an indelible mark on the world of motorsport. As this new talent emerges, we can't help but feel privileged to witness their journey and be a part of their incredible story. And with that, we are incredibly fortunate to welcome Robert De Haan...
Will –: Robert De Haan, it’s great to have you here. We’ve been a big fan of yours for some time now, following your progress through Ginetta Juniors in 2021 and then F4 last year. We now find you driving for Richardson Racing in the beautiful Octane Finance backed Porsche Carrera Cup car, dominating the Carrera Cup GB series, and lying 2nd in the Benelux series. How do you explain this incredible wave of form? You are clearly enjoying yourself out there…
Robert: Yes it's amazing to be starting the season like this. Nobody expected these results but it's just amazing to see myself so confident with the Porsche!
Will –: Tell us a little bit about your background and when you first started out in racing? I think we’re all intrigued to know how that all came about for you…
Robert: My dad did car racing when I was young and always came with him to all the races. Already then I loved to see all those cars and it was a dream for me to be racing one of those. I started go karting when I was 6 years old and went up to cars when I was 14. Now I am in my third year in race cars and I love it!
Will -: Can you remember your earliest memory of racing? Do you recall the feeling it gave you?
Robert: I tried a go kart for the first time when I was 5 and I absolutely loved it! Since then I could never think about something else .
Will -: And at what point did you realise you were actually quite good and you wanted to race all the time?
Robert: After my first go kart season I became Dutch champion. From there we only kept going up.
Will -: Can you share a more recent memorable moment or race that had a significant impact on your career or personal growth as a racing driver?
Robert: My first race in a Porsche, in Porsche Southern Europe championship that I won! Straight away in testing we saw that we got amazing speed and since then it’s going very well!
Will -: What are some of the challenges you face as a racing driver, both on and off the track, and how do you overcome them?
Robert: When you know that you got the speed and start to think about winning the race. But never focus on the results focus on what’s happening now!
Will -: How do you prepare yourself mentally and physically before a race? Are there any specific rituals or routines that you follow?
Robert: Not really I am always very calm and not making myself to nervous for a race. I always have the mindset we will see, no expectations
Will -: As a motorsport racing driver, you constantly strive for improvement. What specific aspects of your driving skills or techniques do you focus on refining, and how do you go about doing it?
Robert: That’s a hard question. But we keep that secret 😉
Will -: Of course! So what does the future hold for Robert De Haan? Where can we see more of you?
Robert: We will see where I end up but my dream is to be in highest GT car racing level there is.
Will -: I have no doubt you will reach the height of your ambition, and from us all here at team C1RCUIT we wish the the very best for the future. Thank you for taking the time for to sit down with me, it's fantastic to be supporting you and have you on board as an ambassador. Good luck with the rest of the season. We will be following with anticipation!
Robert: Thank you Will!
When you first meet Robert, the remarkable aspect that stands out is his age, as he is only 16 years old. And of course his height. He must be 6ft 2 at least! And despite this, he exudes a sense of extraordinary generosity with his time, demonstrating a maturity beyond his years. His genuine desire for you to enjoy the experience as much as he does is priceless. Observing his interactions with fans further underscores his captivating nature. The way he engages with them and passionately talks about his interests and pursuits is truly fabulous, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to witness it.
We'll be following Robert's racing in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB and Benelux with great anticipation and we wish him all the luck...not that he's going to need it!