BONDAREV: “I hope I will participate in Formula 1 races in 5-6 years”

14 year old racer Alexander BondarevThe European karting champion in 2023, who received an invitation from Williams Racing Academy in September and became the first Ukrainian in the history of Formula 1, analyzed the predictions of Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s victory, which was the opener of last season. Answered next year and also when it can be expected in the “royal race”.

– Please comment on the 2023 season in Formula 1. What surprised you? Were there any surprises?

– 2023 is of course Red Bull’s season of unconditional dominance. I wonder if they themselves expected such a result. Aston Martin (mostly Fernando Alonso) was also happy with the results they achieved at the start of the season.

I am happy for Williams Racing, which finished seventh in the Constructors’ Championship for the first time in five years. This is very inspiring. I think every new season in the future will be better than the previous one.

– Why was Verstappen’s advantage so undeniable?

– A fast car and a fast and steady driver are an ideal combination.

– Why wasn’t there any intrigue in the championship fight?ionism?

“I think we can only praise Verstappen for such professional performances.” I know this season seems boring and predictable to many, but we can’t help but respect both Red Bull and Max because in reality there has been no mistake on his behalf or in the team strategies and mechanics throughout the entire season.

– How much of the Red Bull team’s victory in the Constructors’ Championship was achieved by the drivers and how much by the technical team?

– 50/50, this is their joint victory. Red Bull trained and developed Max as a driver for many years before he became champion. Few people remember it anymore, and it was not without its failures. But the point is that what we are seeing now happened at the same time; The pilot and the car were implemented at the same time.

– What was the main emotion last season?

“I think the performance of the McLaren drivers, especially Oscar Piastri, who won the sprint in Qatar, was sensational. Everyone loves stories like this, where newcomers win immediately.

– What are your predictions for the next season? Who can compete with Verstappen and Red Bull?

– I think next year will be more interesting in terms of the results of all teams. The Red Bull youth team has a new name. Mercedes says they will change everything necessary to make the car faster. As for the engines, there will be no changes until 2026, but this will allow smaller teams to catch up and show results.

As for Williams Racing, whose academy I am part of, [руководитель команды Williams Racing] James Wolves promises we will be fighting at the top in five years. I hope to get behind the wheel of this fast car. My time will come.

– When do we expect you to attend Formula 1 races?

– In five or six years, I hope. Because I’m still competing in karting and when I turned 15 [27 апреля 2024] – I will be able to start racing in the Junior Formula series, starting from Formula 4.