Interview with Professional Racing Driver Oliver Webb
Oliver James Webb is a British auto racing driver. He is a 2004 Karting Champion, a 2007 Formula BMW Scholarship winner, a 2010 Formula 3 competitor, a 2014 European Le Mans Series Champion, a 2015 Dubai 24 Hour Champion, and a 2016 Asian Le Mans Champion.
What initiated your passion for cars?
I think racing came first, and my passion for road cars came after, as they have become so refined and good now.
Was your childhood all about racing (go karts and stuff)? Or was your racing career an unexpected one?
It was unexpected until I first got into a kart, as none of my family were in the industry until I had a go!
Who is your race car driver idol?
Michael Schumacher was a big hero of mine growing up, as I was a 1991 child!
How did you get involved as a racing driver?
I first got involved in driving when I was 9 years old after going to a go-karting party as a kid, and I fell in love with the speed. After that, every holiday or chance I had, I was at a local karting center, going around the track as fast as I could. Often at our local track in France on holiday before competing in a local championship in the UK, which I won.
Where was your first ever competitive race, and when?
My first ever competitive race car race was when I was 14 at a track called Snetterton in the UK. I stalled on the start line!
Have you ever experienced a time during a race where you felt tired?
Yes, every single 24-hour race I do!
Staying focused is the main key for a racing driver! What do you do before starting a race?
We have a big team around us, from nutritionists to fitness coaches and massage therapists, all at the track to help us. The team chefs also keep us eating healthy.
What tricks do you use often to be the first in classification and qualifying?
Everything we do before the race and in the lead up to the race weekend to be the most prepared is what gives us the last few tenths of a second to beat the others.
What was your worst day?
When our LMP1 car crashed out in Le Mans in 2018.
Have you made any mistakes that you regret later on?
In racing, we always make mistakes; if you’ve not made any, then you're not trying hard enough. In 2014, I wheelspined out of the pitlane, which was banned, and it almost cost us the championship even though we won!
What’s your favorite car that you’ve ever driven on a track?
Probably a Formula 1 car from 2011, great fun, lots of downforce!
What's your favorite track to drive on?
Spa in Belgium is my favorite in a downforce car, or Silverstone!
Which is your favorite Ferrari? And why?
My favorite Ferrari is the F12 TDF. I would just love this as my all-round day-to-day car; it can do everything!
Which Ferrari have you had the most fun driving?
I loved driving the LaFerrari around Brands Hatch, as the owner was very kind to let me drift it around!
Do you think Ferrari should build an SUV?
No, I don’t think so.
Do you own any Ferraris?
No, I wish.
In your opinion, Ferrari is the world’s most powerful brand.
The world's most powerful car brand, for sure.
How was your experience with Bac Mono?
I love driving for BAC Mono; having driven every single one in the world is a cool thing to say, having worked with them from day one!
Apart from being a racing driver, what is your favorite hobby?
I love to explore the world, traveling is my favorite thing in the world when I’m not in a car.
How does it feel to be famous?
I wouldn’t say I’m famous, but being respected is the most important thing.
If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Senna, just to see how things really are!
"If you can dream, you can do it", Do you agree?
As long as there is hard work behind it, then sure!
Any advice for the fans who would like to follow the same path as you?
Work as hard off the track as you do on it.