MOUNT Gambier kart racer Hayley Fewins has returned from the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix with some special memories.
During last Sunday’s event the nine-year-old was lucky enough to be selected from entrants all around Australia to be involved in the pre-race entertainment and stand side-by-side with the best drivers in the world, as they prepared for the season opening event at Melbourne’s Albert Park street circuit.
Fewins was one of 60 youngsters selected by Karting Australia to be involved in the Future F1 Stars Experience, who were given the responsibility and roles of driver representatives, national flag bearers, displaying the national flag of each competing river.
As part of the experience Fewins was able to meet F1 CEO Chase Carey and represent the Toro Rosso team’s rookie driver Alexander Albon on the grid during the pre-race celebrations and during national anthem.
An additional highlight was a personal meet and greet with reigning F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton before the start of the race on Sunday afternoon.
Fewins, who has been racing karts for 18 months, was given the VIP treatment and experienced some of the behind-the-scenes activities which make the event a world class spectacle.
A third generation racer at the Mount Gambier Kart Club, Fewins said she enjoyed the chance to watch drivers reaching speeds in excess of 300kph and battling for position wheel-to-wheel.
While her Australian hero Daniel Riccardo failed to greet the chequered flag after suffering car damage, Fewins said she still enjoyed watching the drivers compete.
