Thursday, August 8, 2019

Max Fewtrell makes his Formula 1 test debut with Renault F1 Team

Today proved to be the realisation of a childhood dream for Renault Sport Academy driver Max Fewtrell, as he was given the opportunity to drive a Renault Formula 1 car, in a closed test session at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Taking to the familiar track, Max’s run aboard the Renault R.S.17, as driven by Nico Hülkenberg, Jolyon Palmer and Carlos Sainz during the 2017 season, comes off the back of his strong success and hard work in his formative career.

After a strong start in karting, graduating to single-seaters in 2016 proved to be Max’s coming of age. Joining the FIA British F4 field for his first year in car racing, he gave a phenomenal run of form to claim 3 race wins, 14 podiums along the way to being crowned the FIA British F4 champion.

This supreme showing of talent soon caught the eye of Renault F1 Team, who inducted Max into their young driver programme - Renault Sport Academy in 2017. With confidence and talent on his side, Max tackled the 2017 Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup Championship, earning a victory at the Red Bull Ring on his way to the Rookie title.

Returning for the 2018 season, his rich vein of success continued, as Max took his second major junior title in 3 years. With 6 wins, 11 podiums, 6 pole positions and 6 fastest laps to his campaign, he was crowned Formula Renault Eurocup Champion.

Joining ART Grand Prix to contest the new FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2019, Max has rapidly showcased his talent against the fiercely competitive grid. Earning himself 2 second place podiums and 55 points to his campaign so far, he currently sits as the second highest placed Formula 3 rookie in the championship.

Granted the Formula 1 test as reward for his continuing success within the Renault Sport Academy, it comes as a golden opportunity for Max to gain experience working within the Formula 1 team. Integrating with engineers, understanding data and providing an exciting step in his young racing career.

Max Fewtrell recapped on his first day testing:

"It was an amazing experience driving the Renault R.S.17 today. It’s always special to drive a Formula 1 car having been in the E20 from 2012 a couple of times at demo events, but the R.S.17 felt so different and it was just unbelievable. The level of downforce, the hard braking and the quick acceleration blew me away on my first push lap. We enjoyed a productive day, putting in over 100 laps, with plenty to learn and remember. I’m really grateful for this opportunity from Renault to show what I can do. I know if I perform well in my racing, more opportunities will follow. We’ll refocus on Formula 3 now as there are still some good results up for grabs when the season resumes.”

Director of Infinity Sports Management, Harry Soden comments:

“All of us at Infinity are very proud of Max’s career to date, we’re delighted that he has been rewarded with this opportunity that has been a dream of his since he was a young boy. The smile on his face after his first run said it all!”