LUKE Hilton is revving up for another big season in his long-term pursuit of becoming a Formula One driver.
The Hockley based 17-year-old will race in the GB4 Championship for Douglas Motorsport this season for his first campaign of single-seater racing.
And Luke is keen to set his sights high.
“I want to consistently be in the top three, either as the winner or being second or third,” said Luke.
“I want to consistently be in that mix and being in there can really help when its a championship.
“Even on a bad day if you can still be top five or six then it’s really looking good.
“But we have big ambitions to try our best and make it go as far as we can.
“Formula One is the long term dream but we know it’s very difficult to get that far.”
Luke has continued to shine behind the wheel since first starting out as a karting driver at just five years of age.
In 2023, he finished as vice champion in the Fiesta Junior Championship before doing likewise in the Radical World Finals at Portimao on his competitive debut,
Last year, Luke - who is managed by ex Formula One driver Mark Blundell - continued to impress and bagged two victories, a lap record and pole positions in the Gulf Radical Cup kick-starting the year.
That was followed by further joy in the Radical Cup UK campaign that saw him continue his fine form with multiple podiums and fastest laps.
And Luke’s dad Daniel confirmed driving has now become a full-time occupation for the former Greensward Academy pupil.
“At the moment Luke’s been intense testing, he’s in the gym five days a week and on a simulator every day,” said Daniel.
“He’s on track two days a week so we’re all over the place.
“The governing body, MotorSport UK, also run an academy.
“Luke is part of their futures academy and he’s doing his second year this year.
“He does that on a part time basis and it’s for the cream of the crop of drivers in the UK.”
But for now, the focus remains on securing success during the forthcoming season which Daniel expects to be extremely competitive.
“It looks like it will be really close and I think it will come down to who has the best worst day,” said Daniel.
“There will be 21 races and it all starts the first weekend in April which we’re looking forward to.
“Donington is the first round and then we’re off to Silverstone.
“The plan is to push towards Formula Three and that’s what we’re looking to do if the funds allow.”
Luke’s team-mate at Douglas Motorsport this season will be Dayton Coulthard, son of ex Formula One star David.
Luke was also keen to thank Gilbert & Rose, OpenDoor Mortgages and ‘We Are Fred’ for their backing.
