Interview: Josh Webster

Josh Webster is one of Britain's most promising prospects for a future in Formula 1. Others obviously also agree with me, the Suffolk lad being chosen as one of six nominee's for the prestigious Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year award. 

He has had an electric few seasons in the Formula Renault BARC series, and impressed during karting. A late starter in the lower ranks (in Formula 1's terms), he is looking to progress up the ranks and one day aspires to race in motor racing's pinnacle, Formula 1.

I talked to Josh about his future prospects and his past career in racing.

Jack Leslie: Firstly congratulations on being chosen as one of 6 finalists for the McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year award, how did it feel?

 

Josh Webster: When I received the phone call to say that I was one of the six finalists I was absolutely overjoyed! The guy who phoned me said he'd never had such an enthusiastic response in all the time he'd been doing it!

JL: Looking back at the start of your career, how did you get started in motorsport?

 

JW: My parents have always been great motorsport fans, so from an early age my sisters and I were taken to race events and we enjoyed all forms of racing. I was only ever interested in cars and was pretty useless at all other sports to be honest!

 

(c) Josh Webster

I was 12 when my sister and I raced at Buckmore Park in our first novice race (17th September 2006). We were instantly hooked and life was never the same for our family again! Exactly 3 years later on 13th September 2009 I became European Junior Max Champion, and the following season I moved into Formula Renault.

JL: Was there anyone you were inspired by or looked up to?

 

JW: There are lots of drivers I admire. Of the current F1 drivers my favourite is Jenson Button as he is a great athlete, a smooth and fair driver with a good attitude and personality. He's a good role model.

 

JL: You have been racing in the Formula Renault BARC championship for the past few years, how would you rate your performances?

 

JW: I have done 52 races in total in cars and had 14 wins and 30 podiums. I'd say I've done a good job with limited resources. I've made the best of what I have had available.

JL: Which one would you say has been your best season?

 

JW: 2012. I performed well, with five wins and nine podiums in Formula Renault but issues outside my control cost me points for the championship. I also raced in F3 Masters in Zandvoort, winning the Invitation Class which was a great experience. At the start of 2012 I was selected to join MSA Team UK, and I have been reselected for 2013. I'm very grateful for this support.

 

(c) Josh Webster

JL: Are there any wins that stand out to you as being your best?

 

JW: My first win in cars was in the opening round of 2011 at Donington. We'd had a lot of car teething problems and I started from 4th on the grid. It was great to get that first win. The happiness was short lived as the car broke down in the second race!

JL: We have seen some drivers struggle with finances and sponsorship, how tough is it to move up the ranks? Have you suffered any struggles?

 

JW: I have always struggled to secure the budget, but I'm just one of many drivers in the same position so I don't talk about it. We just have to work a lot harder to make things happen!

JL: Looking to the future, do you have any racing plans for 2013?

 

JW: We hope to race in GP3, but we haven't signed a deal yet.

JL: I'm guessing the aim is to get to Formula 1, how do you rate your chances in such a difficult industry?

 

JW: Without a lot of money behind you it is impossible to get to F1! I aim to do a good job as a rookie in GP3 and hope it will become easier to move forward.

(c) Josh Webster

JL: Looking at the past Formula 1 season, what did you make of it overall?

 

JW: It was a good season. Alonso was brilliant. It was great to see Raikkonen back in F1.

JL: Did you tip Vettel to win, was the outcome what you wanted?

 

JW: Well it's hard to bet against Vettel being in contention for the title, but I have to say I admired Alonso's performances this season. I would have liked him to win.

JL: Finally can you become (as far as I know) the first Formula 1 World Champion from Suffolk?

 

JW: I believe I could be! Just need to find that elusive millionaire who is desperate to put Suffolk on the F1 map!

Thanks to Josh for answering my questions, good luck for the future!