A Brisbane Grammar School student is carving a unique path towards the Formula 1 World Championship thanks to his family’s efforts to form Ambition GP.
James Raaymakers, 16, races for the team that his father, Ray, founded and his mother, Renee, sponsors through her Spring Hill law firm, Kare Lawyers.
“I have to thank my parents every time I compete because they’ve done a lot for me and they’ve made it come true,” James said, who placed 32nd in the national karting competition, KA2, last year.
An automotive engineer by trade, Mr Raaymakers explained, “Australian F4 gives young drivers great experience, but they don’t give out Super License points.
“Without an FIA Super License, James cannot qualify for F1.”
In November, James will begin the hunt for his super license points in the UAE’s Formula Trophy, just days before the Yas Marina Circuit also hosts the F1 season finale.
“Next year we’ll be doing the UAE 2026 championship from January to February and the Southeast Asia Championship from May to September,” James said.
“Racing often clashes with exams but my head of year at Brisbane Grammar School, Jon Hopes, is very supportive.”
Success in Southeast Asia could qualify James for the same Ferrari Junior Academy which streamlined Charles Leclerc to a coveted Scuderia seat.
Mr Raaymakers believes his son’s 1,000 hours on the racing simulator and sprint success put him in good stead.
“The Europeans talk about Aussie grit, and I put it down to one thing; the bumpy circuits here, which make racetracks overseas look like billiard tables,” he said.
James believes that the international leap is, “another step forward in my career, closer to the top.”
Photography: Nate Priebbenow
