What It Really Takes to Make F1 - James Wharton on Sacrifice, Finances & Kimi Antonelli friendship

Out of Interest Podcast

This week, we sit down with rising motorsport star James Wharton, an Australian racing driver making waves in Formula 3 with his sights set on Formula 1. From moving to Italy at just 10 years old to joining the Ferrari Driver Academy, James shares his journey, the sacrifices he’s made, and the brutal reality of what it takes to reach the top of motorsport.
In this episode, James gives an inside look at the highly competitive world of junior formula racing, explaining the intense speed jumps from F4 to F3 and why every tenth of a second matters. He breaks down the pay-to-play reality of Formula 1, revealing how sponsorships and financial backing can make or break a driver’s career. As part of Ferrari’s elite program, he talks about the pressure vs. privilege of having the backing of a top team and how that shapes his approach to racing.
James also opens up about the mental and physical demands of competing at the highest level, the loneliness of moving overseas so young, and the European vs. Australian racing mindset. He shares what it was like signing his first F3 contract, the excitement of finally racing in Melbourne, and why Formula racing is more competitive than ever—right down to F4. With a laser focus on reaching F1, he breaks down what he needs to do next and how he plans to make it happen.
A must-watch for F1 fans, motorsport enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to understand what it really takes to climb the ranks of professional racing.
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