Lightning McQueen, racing Will Power & winning the championship: 10 Questions with Max Taylor

When I started this website, my first regular feature was ‘10 Questions to a Racing Driver’ and I’m delighted to say we are resurrecting it! To kick things off, we’ve enlisted American racer, Max Taylor!

Taylor, 18, will race for Indy NXT heavy hitters, Andretti Global in 2026 having made his series debut for HMD Motorsports in 2025, alongside his main campaign - USF Pro 2000, and a three race stint in the UK’s GB3 Championship series. So without further ado…

1. What’s your first memory of racing?

My first memory in racing is one of the first times driving my go kart. My brakes failed going into a corner at 60 mph and I went straight through a fence. Then I hopped back in a different kart 10 mins later.

2. Who’s your racing hero or heroes?

My racing hero is Lightning McQueen.

📸 Lightning McQueen.

3. Favourite race car to drive so far in your career? 

Without a doubt, the Indy NXT.

4. Proudest racing moment so far?

My proudest moment was winning the USF Juniors Championship.

5. Do you prefer fast circuits or technical circuits?

Fast circuits.

6. Race in the wet or race in the dry? 

Race in the dry, but I love the wet.

7. Favourite circuit you’ve raced on? 

Road America.

8. Favourite you’ve not raced on yet?

Indy 500.

📸 What’s not to like?

9. Your favourite F1 livery of all time?

Ayrton Senna Marlboro livery.

📸Iconic.

10. Who’s the best driver you’ve raced against?

Will Power in a go kart race.

📸 Image credits; Formula Motorsport Limited, Max Taylor, Indianapolis Motor Speedway.