The Driver Who Made Me Love Racing: Teagan’s Choice(s)

By Teagan Crump

Every Sunday, my dad had Formula One on TV, back when it was broadcast by the BBC. He is to blame for my motorsport addiction, but I will always be grateful that we can share the passion for the sport.

There is not just one driver who helped me to discover my love for motorsport, there’s two. One when I initially became a Formula One fan back in 2015 and then when my love of racing was reignited in 2020.

The 2015 Singapore Grand Prix, probably not the first Formula One race I ever watched, but the one that I remember. Ferrari’s Vettel took pole position, but he was not the driver who caught my eye. Red Bull’s Kvyat became an immediate favourite as I hadn’t ever heard a name like his. Whilst my interest in Formula One did fade after this race, I will always remember how Kvyat was the first driver that I supported.

📸Daniil Kvyat leading a second practice session.

After a five year hiatus, I rediscovered my love for Formula One when a video of the 2020 Austrian Grand Prix appeared on my social media. It was Lando Norris’ last lap efforts to secure his maiden podium that I believe reignited my love for the sport. But another driver soon emerged as my favourite, Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel. The villain-turned-golden-boy created a sense of nostalgia for me and remained a firm favourite until his retirement in 2022.

📸Sebastian Vettel announcing his retirement in 2022.

Whilst both drivers had very different careers, I will always have respect and adoration for them. They have both gone on to succeed in various different ways but will always be significant in the shaping and history of Red Bull Racing and Formula One as a sport.

📸Vettel and Kvyat at the 2016 Chinese Grand Prix, following the ‘torpedo’ move

📸 Image credits: Formula Motorsport Limited, Sebastian Vettel.