JORDAN KING is determined to join Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button by becoming Britain’s newest F1 star.
The 22 year-old from Leamington is in pole position to land a seat at the Manor F1 team next season.
King, who is competing in the F1 feeder series, GP2, has won the last two races and was second here in Budapest.
The confident Brit says he is ready to take his place among the best drivers in the world and says when he does, he wants to make sure he stays there.
He said: “Britain as a nation tends to breed some good drivers and some of those get to the top.
“Lewis and Jenson have firmer foothold and had a good crack at it but then there have been some others who have managed to get their foot in but not quite made it.
“Hopefully, I can be the next big one to get there, stay there and win a world championship as well.
“My focus is GP2. If I win the championship, or even finish in the top three, it would increase my chances of getting a seat in Formula One.
“If you win the championship, that helps you, but you have to be in the right position and if the opportunity came then you have to take it.
“Look at Max Verstappen. A lot of people said it was too early in his career, but he has taken the opportunity and done a great job. You have to take that opportunity.
SunSport understands that King has a contract in place with Manor but it is determined by how he continues to perform this season.
Understandably, King is reluctant to disclose details about whether the deal involves a payment to Manor for the privilege of driving in Formula One.
However, he also has a helpful figure in a corner in the form of his dad, Justin King, the former CEO of supermarket giant Sainsbury’s and once touted as Bernie Ecclestone’s replacement.
King’s father has been the driving force behind his son’s career ever since he took him to a local go-kart track for his 10th birthday party.
He added: “At the moment, Manor would be my preferred choice of destination.
Related Stories
“I have been out in their car twice this year and once last year and that is the relationship I am building on.
“I do have a foot in a race car but I have to build a better relationship with Manor and help them build a better car and hope they want me to be their driver in the years to come.
“I know what is going on with the team and it is a very fair contract. If I don’t perform, then I don’t get to drive their car.
“It is as simple as that. I have to prove myself and they want to win races.”
Leave a comment