90 Seconds with Callum Ilott
Callum is a 17 year old British racing driver, balancing full-time education with building an impressive track record in international racing. His success to date originates from a strong background in international karting, commitment to a healthy, active and balanced lifestyle, hard work, mixed with some pure talent. Off track, Callum enjoys his music, sport and time with family and friends. Callum's goal is to pursue a career as a professional motor racing driver by developing his skills on and off the track.
Callum does not come from a racing background and started out for the fun of it. He had his first drive in a kart just before his 7th birthday and took his competitive novice race licence as soon as he was 8. By 12 years he had begun to impress the international karting scene by winning the under 16s Formula Kart Stars British Championship, and finishing 3rd in the German National Championship (KFJ category). He also enjoyed off track success as a member of his school choir winning the BBC School Choir of the Year and having the opportunity to sing in front of a full house at the Royal Albert Hall.
At 13, Callum dominated the international under 15s KFJ category with wins in the WSK Masters Series and the WSK Final Cup, runner up in the WSK Euro Series and CIK-FIA World Cup, and was nominated as the youngest ever WSK Driver of the Year in 2012. Prior to his first season in cars, as a 15 year old Callum won the senior CIK-FIA European Karting Championship in 2014, the WSK Super Master Series, and finished 4th in the CIK-FIA World Championship. Callum debut in single seater racing at 16 was overseen by Dr Helmut Marko at Red Bull. He is their first ever driver to be taken straight from karting to F3 in Red Bull livery competing in the FIA F3 European Championship.
What would you be if not a racing driver?
I’d be in full time education. I’m part way through my A Levels; Maths, Physics and PE and am finishing those whilst competing
Do you have any pre-race superstitions?
I always got in my kart the same side but that was because you would burn yourself if you hopped in the other side!
What is your favourite racing circuit?
It has to be Nürburgring and I even like the Grand Prix track layout. Spa would be next.
Who do you admire the most?
In racing, it would be Michael Schumacher. I’ve been lucky to meet him a few times too.
Favourite food?
Spaghetti Bolognaise. I spent a bit of time there karting so I’m an Italian food fan and do like pasta.
Which other series would you like to race in?
F1 is the target for many drivers, myself included but I realistic to know there are very few chances to make it and money also plays a part. I’m also attracted to WEC. I went to Silverstone and the P1 cars are so quick. So sports cars, prototypes or GTs are of interest to me.
What road car do you drive?
BMW 1 Series.
Most memorable racing moment?
Probably the 2014 World Cup. I started 32nd but came through to fourth.
Do you have any tattoo's, if so what and where (be honest!)?
No, None!
