SINGAPORE: The future of Singapore's motorsport scene shines brightly with two 17-year-old drivers, Christian Ho and Kabir Anurag, boldly declaring their ambitions to compete in Formula 1 (F1) within the next five years. Both have made significant strides in their racing careers this year, positioning themselves as pioneers for Singaporean talent on the global stage.

Christian Ho: The F3 Trailblazer

Christian Ho recently made headlines as the first Singaporean to secure a place in the prestigious Formula 3 (F3), a stepping stone to the F1 elite. His ambition is to emulate legends such as Michael Schumacher and Max Verstappen, who have used F3 as a launchpad to F1 success. Reflecting on his journey, Christian expressed that while he sees the potential for success, he remains aware of the formidable competition in F3.

As he gears up for the upcoming F3 season, details on Christian’s team are pending announcement. Currently, he competes in the Eurocup 3 series with Campos Racing, where he has achieved three race wins and six podium finishes, positioning him second in the standings amid 32 drivers.

His transition to European racing came after he witnessed the vastly higher standards at a championship in Macao, leading to his determination to train and improve. “Realistically, three to four years is what it takes to progress from F3 to F1,” he said confidently.

Outside the racing sphere, Christian maintains a rigorous routine to prepare for his upcoming A-Level examinations while embracing his responsibilities as a Singaporean and completing his medical for national service.

Kabir Anurag: The Rising Development Driver

Kabir Anurag is steadily making a name for himself in the world of motorsport. Working in his F1 team’s garage during the Singapore Grand Prix, he relished the surreal experience of being among not just fans but also his role models, including the renowned Esteban Ocon.

Having joined the Alpine Academy just six months ago, Kabir has undergone intensive training that includes not just physical conditioning but also cognitive exercises to hone his quick decision-making skills. "I believe I can achieve my dream of being an F1 driver by the time I’m 22," he indicated, emphasizing the importance of consistency in racing performance.

Despite the challenges of competing in a fast-paced field, Kabir remains optimistic about the future of motorsport in Singapore. He encourages aspiring drivers to take the plunge, noting that the industry has gained serious recognition over the past decade, a trend he believes will help elevate Singapore on a global platform.

Reflecting on the friendship and support between himself and Christian, Kabir expressed pride in watching his fellow racer follow his dream. “Christian’s success is inspiring and sets a great example for all of us. He’s paving the way,” he highlighted.

Both Christian and Kabir represent the potential for Singapore's motorsport landscape to flourish. As fans gear up to witness the thrilling Singapore Grand Prix from September 20 to 22, all eyes will be on these young talents. Will they succeed in their quest to make it to the grandest stage of F1 in the coming years? Only time will tell, but their determination shows that anything is possible!