Driving Ambition

AN OC’S GUIDE TO MOTORSPORT DRIVING

AMBITION

WITH CHARLIE ROBERTSON (OC 2015)

Charlie Robertson’s drive to succeed has seen him achieve a lifetime ambition at just 21 years old. In summer 2018 Charlie took to the wheel in the top LMP1 category at the legendary Le Mans 24 Hour race as part of the FIA World Endurance Championship, taking the chequered flag. Just three years earlier, at the age of 18, Charlie shared a 420 horsepower LMP3 racing car with Gold Medal Olympian and fellow teammate Chris Hoy.

Charlie’s motor racing ambitions progressed from his time at Caterham Preparatory School right through the Senior School and he became a professional race driver in 2016. With an impressive list of accolades already chalked up, it seems there is no stopping this young talent. Here Charlie shares with us his career successes so far and what he’s hoping to achieve next.

How did you discover your driving talents?

When I was eight years old, my dad took me to an indoor karting track and I was instantly hooked on the speed and competition. We soon found a second-hand go-kart, started racing at outdoor events around the country and never looked back. Six years later – by then a Third Year pupil at Caterham School – I made my car racing debut at Brands Hatch.

Were you involved with go karting or anything similar whilst at Caterham School?

Yes, I raced most weekends in national karting championships when I was in the First and Second Year. During term time I also practiced and raced with the Caterham School Karting Club. 

What is the best thing about your career?

Winning races and championships are the highlights and taking the chequered flag at Le Mans was a very special moment. But, overall, the best thing is being able to make my living doing something I love. It really is a dream come true.

What is the most challenging thing about your career?

In terms of driving, ensuring I always put in my best performance every lap of every race can be quite tough – especially when competing overseas where high temperatures and jet-lag increase fatigue. Out of the car there are challenges to overcome too, such as securing competitive racing opportunities and sponsorship.

After Caterham School, you went on to Loughborough College. What did you study there and how did you manage to balance study and driving?

My sports performance course, which was jointly coordinated by Loughborough College and the Motor Sports Association (the governing body of UK motorsport), was specifically designed for aspiring professional racing drivers - so the competing demands of study and sport were always taken into account. I think they got the balance just right.

You have worked with Sir Chris Hoy – what was it like to work with an Olympian?

An absolute privilege! We shared a 420 horsepower LMP3 racing car in the 2015 European Le Mans Series. He was relatively new to car racing and determined to turn in competitive lap times from the start. We spent hours analysing data and on-board video footage looking for tiny improvements. At just 18, it felt strange coaching a six-times Olympic gold medallist but he taught me so much about other aspects of preparing for competition. It paid off too. Chris found the pace he was looking for, never made a mistake, and we won the championship with a round to spare.

What does it feel like to be in the driving seat during a race?

Intense. Racing cars are designed to be fast, safe and reliable – so comfort is not really a priority. The cockpit is cramped, noisy and hot with a lot of controls and displays to monitor. I mainly compete in endurance events where every driver is flat-out racing wheel to wheel with other cars at more than 200mph in all weathers and sometimes at night. Maintaining concentration for two hours or more is as exhausting as it is exhilarating.

Who are the top three people who have enabled you to be where you are now?

My parents and Lawrence Tomlinson, the owner of Ginetta Cars. Mum and Dad have guided and supported me through the highs and lows that are an inevitable part of any sporting career. Lawrence, an accomplished racing driver himself, has created a ‘ladder’ of motor racing series where young racing drivers can develop their skills and profiles. Following my success in the Ginetta championships, Lawrence offered me my first professional contract.

There are, of course, dozens of others – from engineers to sponsors – working behind the scenes to make every race possible. I actually met my main personal sponsor through Caterham School!

Where do you hope to be in 5 years?

Racing for wins and the overall title in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS THE STORY SO FAR...

Asian Le Mans Sprint Cup LMP3 2016 Vice-Champion European Le Mans Series LMP3 2015 Champion Michelin Ginetta GT4 SuperCup 2014 Champion McLaren Autosport BRDC Award 2013 Finalist Ginetta Junior UK 2012 Champion Ginetta Junior UK 2011 Vice-Champion Formula Kart Stars KF3 2010 Vice-Champion MSA British Cadet Kart 2008 Vice-Champion ASKC Scottish Cadet Kart 2007 Champion