Strong start boosts Kabir's confidence ahead of F4 season

Like many aspiring drivers in the "cut-throat" world of motor racing, Kabir Anurag struggled with self-doubt, especially when results did not go his way.

- Deepanraj Ganesan

The 17-year-old, who became the first Singaporean to be recruited by the Alpine Formula One team's driver development programme in 2024, could finish only 20th out of 52 drivers in his first full Italian F4 championship season.

Yet, the Singaporean teenager learnt to find trust, both in his own ability and his team, as he embarks on his dream to join the rarefied heights of F1 with renewed vigour, buoyed by a fruitful campaign in March.

Kabir said: "I used to doubt myself a lot, but I realised that the most important thing is just trusting the people around you, trusting myself and doing the best I can. I needed to have confidence in my own ability."

A successful outing during the recent Formula Winter Series has lifted his spirits.

Kabir, who represented Germany's US Racing, became the first Asian driver to win a race in the series when he finished first at MotorLand Aragon in Alcaniz, Spain, on March 1, before notching another win in the final race in Barcelona on March 9.