Shane Chandaria has a journey from Kenya karting to F4 champion that reveals resilience, growth, and passion driving his rise in motorsport.
Image provided by Shane Chandaria

Racing up the ladder | “Just keep going, don’t give up”—Shane Chandaria on his early days in motorsport and the lessons learnt in Kenya and beyond

Like many young drivers emerging from non-traditional motorsport nations, like Kenya, Shane Chandaria has built his career through persistence, adaptability, and an unwavering belief in his own potential. From his early days in Kenya—where circuit racing infrastructure remains limited compared to Europe—to becoming the 2025 FIA Indian F4 champion, his rise reflects both determination and…

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Thomas Bearman reflects on his rise from karting to F4, highlighting confidence, learning curves and 2026 success with Van Amersfoort Racing.
Photo Credit: Van Amersfoort Racing

Racing up the ladder: “It’s just a different level” — Thomas Bearman on adapting to F4 as he targets further success in 2026 with Van Amersfoort Racing

Thomas Bearman’s progression through the junior single-seater ranks reflects both the intensity and unpredictability of modern driver development. Like many young racers, he built his foundations in karting, but his transition into cars came with unique challenges—most notably a lack of preparation time before his debut. That early leap into the unknown forced Bearman to…

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In the first part of an exclusive interview with Pit Debrief, Polish rookie Tymek Kucharczyk opened up on his move to Indy NXT with HMD.
Photo Credit: Penske Entertainment | Aaron Skillman

Exclusive | Tymek Kucharczyk: Sending an email opened the door to join HMD Motorsports and Indy NXT

In the first part of an exclusive interview with Pit Debrief, Polish rookie Tymek Kucharczyk opened up on his move to Indy NXT with HMD Motorsports and the good working relationship with his teammates. The 20-year-old was at a crossroads looking ahead to 2026. Having not had significant financial backing throughout his career despite competing…

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Pedro Lima discusses race preparation, simulator training, and his development with Van Amersfoort Racing ahead of the 2026 F4 season.
Photo Credit: Van Amersfoort Racing

Racing up the ladder: Pedro Lima on development and preparation ahead of 2026 F4 campaign with Van Amersfoort Racing

Pedro Lima has joined Van Amersfoort Racing for the 2026 Formula Winter Series, Italian F4 Championship, and the E4 Championship. The Brazilian driver made the transition from karting to single-seaters in 2025 in the Brazilian F4 Championship. After a strong debut season, he became the youngest driver in Brazilian F4 history to secure a race…

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Joanne Ciconte during 2026 Kyojo Cup test.
Photo Credit: Joanne Ciconte

Exclusive: From grassroots to F1 Academy: Ciconte’s journey to the global stage

Joanne Ciconte may have been the youngest driver on the 2025 F1 Academy grid, but she came a long way from where she began in regional and national competitions back home in Australia. In an exclusive interview with Pit Debrief, the young Australian detailed her early beginnings in karting, rapid progression through the ranks at…

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Thierry Vermeulen discusses preparation, consistency and team dynamics ahead of the 2026 DTM season with Emil Frey Racing.
Photo Credit: ADAC Motorsport | Gruppe C Photography

Exclusive: “We have high goals” — Vermeulen targets strong 2026 DTM campaign with Emil Frey Racing

As the 2026 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) season approaches, Thierry Vermeulen, now firmly established within Emil Frey Racing, finds himself in a familiar yet evolving position as he continues to build on the experience he has gathered since stepping into GT3 machinery just a few years ago. Speaking exclusively to Pit Debrief, Vermeulen offered a…

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Henry Mercier explains race mindset, Qualifying pressure, consistency, and simulator use in his approach to F4 ahead of 2026 campaign.
Photo Credit: British F4

Racing up the ladder | Henry Mercier on his motorsport journey defined by growth, mindset and momentum

Henry Mercier’s motorsport journey continues to stand out for its pace, clarity, and intent. While many drivers spend years gradually progressing through karting, Mercier compressed that development into a short but highly formative period. His motorsport journey reflects not only natural ability, but also a strong mindset and an environment that enabled Mercier to grow…

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Finn Wiebelhaus previews his rookie 2026 DTM season with HRT, focusing on teamwork, development and adapting to elite racing.
Photo Credit: Haupt Racing Team

Exclusive: “I think it’s going to be a fun season for sure” – Wiebelhaus looking ahead to 2026 DTM debut campaign with HRT

In an exclusive interview with Pit Debrief, Finn Wiebelhaus outlined his mindset ahead of the 2026 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) season as he prepares to step up with Haupt Racing Team (HRT). The reigning ADAC GT Masters champion now enters one of the most competitive GT championships in the world, where precision, adaptability, and consistency…

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Thiim discusses his DTM return with Aston Martin, learning from younger teammates and preparing with Comtoyou Racing.
Photo Credit: SRO/JEP

Exclusive: Thiim on youth, experience and his 2026 DTM return – “It keeps you humble”

A new chapter awaits Nicki Thiim as the Aston Martin factory driver prepares to return to the DTM grid in 2026, determined to rewrite a story that previously fell short of expectations. Thiim joins Comtoyou Racing as part of Aston Martin’s evolving DTM programme, with the manufacturer continuing to develop its GT3-based effort. The Belgian…

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Baert reflects on his development, learning from Nicki Thiim, and Comtoyou Racing’s improved structure ahead of the new DTM season
Photo Credit: ADAC Motorsport

Exclusive: Baert on Learning from Thiim, a stronger Comtoyou and why the long game matters in DTM

Nicolas Baert entered the new DTM season with a clearer structure, stronger preparation, and a rewarded sense of direction alongside new Comtoyou Racing teammate Nicki Thiim. In an exclusive interview with Pit Debrief, he reflected on both his personal development and the team’s progress heading into the year. Baert highlighted the value of experience and…

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