NEW ALPINE HEIGHTS

Kabir, 16, is first S’porean in outfit’s academy as he embarks on FI dream

- David Lee

More than 10,000km away from home, the wheels are in motion for 16-year-old Kabir Anurag to fulfil his dream of becoming Singapore's first Formula One driver.

On April 15, he became the first Singaporean to be recruited by Alpine F1 Team's driver development programme only the ninth addition to the racing team.

And this weekend, the teenager will flag off his first full Formula 4 season with the opening championship races in Misano, where 12 teams and 37 drivers from 25 nations will compete from May 3 to 5.

Other Singaporeans who have raced in F4 include Christian Ho and Rishab Jain.

F4 is the first step in the InternaAutomobile tional Federation's (FIA) Global Pathway from karting to F1, with drivers typically progressing through F4, Formula Regional, Formula 3 and Formula 2.

Kabir, who also represents Germany's US Racing, said in an Alpine press statement: "I am delighted to be joining the Alpine Academy for the 2024 season.

"It is an honour to have the support and trust of the BWT Alpine F1 Team and have the opportunity to work with the team's driver development programme to progress in my career both on and off the track.