Rafael Vaessen Archives

Rafael Vaessen reflects on his Macau breakthrough, working with Andrea Todisco and AT Performance, and adapting to the demands of cars.

Racing up the ladder | “The small details are crucial” — Rafael Vaessen on Macau, AT Performance, and adapting to cars

Karishma Persad1 hour ago1 day ago013 mins

For Rafael Vaessen, the move from karting to cars has been shaped by opportunity, preparation, and attention to detail. After returning to racing and rebuilding momentum in karting, Vaessen reached a key turning point with his first overseas race in Macau. That weekend helped him and those around him reassess what might be possible. It…

Rafael Vaessen discusses the unseen training, discipline, and race-weekend details behind his development in cars.

Racing up the ladder | “The racing is only like 10% of the work” — Rafael Vaessen on the unseen demands of motorsport

Karishma Persad2 weeks ago2 weeks ago020 mins

For Rafael Vaessen, building a career in motorsport means far more than turning up at the circuit and delivering on race day. While fans often see results, timing screens, and on-track battles, much of a young driver’s development happens away from public view. Physical training, simulator work, preparation, discipline, and communication all form part of…

Rafael Vaessen discusses mental resilience, learning to reset after setbacks, and the family support that keeps him grounded.

Racing up the ladder | “Learn how to reset and go forward” — Rafael Vaessen on resilience in racing

Karishma Persad3 weeks ago4 weeks ago011 mins

For Rafael Vaessen, some of the most important lessons in motorsport have come from the racing weekends that did not go to plan. While karting often gives young drivers their first experience of racecraft, pressure, and competition, it also teaches them how quickly momentum can change. A strong start to a weekend can disappear through…

Rafael Vaessen reflects on his early karting experiences, time away from racing, and the return that reignited his career.

Racing up the ladder | “It felt so natural” — Rafael Vaessen on his journey back to racing

Karishma Persad4 weeks ago4 weeks ago013 mins

For Rafael Vaessen, the road back to racing has been as important as the road into it. While many junior drivers build their careers through a continuous climb from karting to cars, Vaessen’s journey has taken a different shape. His introduction to motorsport came early, through family, but his relationship with racing changed over time….