Foto: Michael Potts F1 / Mary Prentice / Shutterstock.com
SANDVOORT – After the ‘regular’ Grand Prix on the Zandvoort circuit, racing fans can enjoy F1 Senior tomorrow. Only 65-plussers will compete in this class. The big favourite is 82-year-old Brit Neil Hawkins.
The Grand Prix at the Zandvoort circuit is a lot more inclusive this year. In addition to the regular race, there is also the F1 Academy for women and the F1 Senior for drivers aged 65 and over. Both classes should show that women and seniors can race just as well as young men.
F1 Senior driver Neil Hawkins is the big favorite in the senior class and drives for the British team Williams. He is happy that there is more diversity in Formula 1. “We have to get rid of the image that this sport is only suitable for young men. There must be a racing seat for everyone, whether you are male or female, young or old,” he says.
Photo: Michael Potts F1 / Shutterstock.com
Neil Hawkins in action during practice at the Zandvoort circuit.
“I’ve been behind the wheel for over sixty years. First on the kart track and now in Formula 1. In fact, I’ve been doing it much longer than Max Verstappen,” says Hawkins. “Actually, F1 Senior is the same as regular Formula 1, only we drive much slower. Just like on the public road.”
Hawkins expects that seniors will become increasingly important in motorsport: “The more people see us and realize that you can drive at this level as an older person, the more seniors will start. And hopefully more seniors will get into Formula 1.”
