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Originally signed at only 13 years old as a rising star in karting, we’ve watched Ugo Ugochukwu grow immensely over the past four years, transitioning from karts to cars and becoming a single-seater race winner.

We caught up with the Formula 4 racer to get to know him a little better, discussing his favourite hobbies, ideal holiday destinations and his inspirations.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Manhattan, New York, USA. It was a good experience, it was where I first tried a go-kart at six years old in upstate New York. I really enjoyed it.

What is your most treasured possession?

I always struggle to choose a favourite, I don’t like to say one thing. It would probably be my cats, but it is hard to pick one thing and exclude others. I would also say my simulator. I love to hop on my sim and have some fun on there.

What's your dream birthday cake?

My dream birthday cake would definitely be one with fruit on it and maybe a racing car on the top.

Your favourite hobby away from the track?

I wouldn’t say I have one favourite hobby, I like sports in general, I play football, basketball, and tennis – any sports with friends are fun.

What's your favourite cheat meal?

Pizza.

If you weren't a driver what would you like to do as a career?

Basketball, make the fans happy! It would probably be soccer, I would be a goalie. I support Napoli.

What is the best thing about being a racing driver?

The actual racing and the competition. It makes you want to keep pushing for more, it makes you feel competitive – you always want to win. I think that is the best part, it is looking for those small details to keep going faster and faster.

Which racing drivers do you look up to and admire?

I would say that I look up to everyone who is racing at the top level, especially in F1, because that is where I want to be one day. I’ve watched back through documentaries and always like Ayrton Senna, he was such a great talent, and then Michael Schumacher for his hard work off the track as well.

Your career highlight to date?

Probably my European Championship final in OKJ Junior Karts and Karting. It was great to win a European title at that age, I was only 13, and it was such a great feeling. Hopefully, I have more highlights in years to come.

Ideal holiday destinations?

I always enjoy the Caribbean, especially Saint-Barthélemy, which is a little island. I think it's really cool, and I love going to the beach – that is always the best part. I would choose a beach holiday over a city break.