Becoming a Formula 1 driver is a very difficult task that requires years of consistently winning in the junior categories and sizeable funding.
Many drivers have been on the verge of racing at the highest level but failed to make that final step despite good junior careers due to money playing a vital part in motorsport.
Patrick Heuzenroeder is a driver racing in the GB3 Championship, aiming for the lofty heights of Formula 1 and becoming a professional.
The Australian began karting at the very late age of 13 in his native Australia before moving to Europe, to compete in the British F4 championship last year.
After finishing 19th in the standings and taking a podium at Snetterton, he moved to GB3 – a step on the ladder below FIA F3.
Heuzenroeder has adjusted well to the demands of the series with the car being more physical, consistently being in and around the top 10.
The JHR driver has also been receiving guidance from former Formula 1 driver, David Brabham. Heuzenroeder told Full Oversteer in an exclusive interview that his fellow Australian has been a great help.
Patrick Heuzenroeder believes David Brabham has been ‘very helpful’ in GB3
Heuzenroeder has had great consistency this season, finishing all but two of the races so far and scoring a third place at Zandvoort.
He has been working with Brabham throughout the season, and the 18-year-old is one of the few drivers from Australia on the path to F1.
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Heuzenroeder outlined how Brabham has been aiding his progression in such a tough championship among drivers with ambitions of getting to Formula 1.
He said: “David’s been great. We’ve been working with each other since February and we’ll debrief after weekends, [and] have a chat before weekends.
“He’s come to three or four of them, I think, throughout the year, which has been very helpful. He’s got 40-plus years of racing experience.
“Anything I can learn from him, that’s great. I’m just trying to listen to him as much as possible [and] ask as many questions as possible. Then also from a team perspective, he’s quite reserved in the truck and just watches from an arm’s length away. But then we’ll have a chat afterwards and he’s got some golden nuggets.”
David Brabham’s experience racing on British tracks is vital in helping Patrick Heuzenroeder
David Brabham won the British F3 title in 1989 on his way to Formula 1, he raced on all four British tracks on this year’s GB3 calendar.
This experience of circuits, including Oulton Park and Brands Hatch, is vital as those two venues haven’t changed a lot over the years.
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Heuzenroeder explained that Brabham’s knowledge of these venues is critical to understanding the fine details of the circuit.
The Australian said: “He’s raced all these tracks before. Obviously, won the British F3 title a few years ago. So I can ask him anything from, ‘What’s it like at this track?’
“When you’re in this situation, what did you do? If you have a tough qualifying, how do you bounce back from it? There’s just so many different questions And he’s always got an answer for it. So, he’s very helpful.”