We talk a lot about the power and potential of the 2019 rookies, but may I introduce you to in fact the most influential set of contemporaries that Great Britain has ever blessed motorsport with.
So last year the little boy sat in the go kart told a story, about how his Dad has such blind faith in him as a kid and zero shame. So little shame he once confidently pointed to his son and another in that photograph and told someone from Autosport that these two will be in Formula 1 in the future so you should interview them now.
The boy in the kart? Anthony Davidson, former Formula 1 driver, Le Mans runner up and WEC World Champion.
The other boy that his Dad predicted would be in Formula 1? The boy stood up at the back in the red and blue. If you look carefully you might recognise that look. That boy is Jenson Button, 2009 Formula 1 World Champion.
Now the blonde boy sat on the front wheel would go on to win all the flagship events in US motorsport. Dan Wheldon, 3 time 24 hours of Daytona winner, Indy 500 winner and Indycar Champ. Had a freak accident in 2011 not taken him from us, I’ve no doubt those stats would be bigger, another Indy 500 win, maybe a NASCAR title. Hell the three of them may have had a stab at Le Mans together.
Between the three they won virtually a full set of all the elite titles even a non fan can name.
And the fourth little boy in the purple and blue looking like he is in a 90s catalogue? Well he became the most famous of them all. That’s Ben Collins. The Stig.
All I’m saying is currently Lando, George and Alex have a single F1 championship between them. They have a long way to go. 😂
If you are interested there is a video on YouTube of the Davidson/Button/Wheldon/Collins gang karting.
