Hillspeed Names Junior Rotax Racer Hobson As Second ‘Junior Driver’
Multiple race-winning GB3 and GB4 Championship partnered by the BRDC team Hillspeed is today, Wednesday, 16th July, delighted to announce the second youngster to be invited onto the squad’s Driver Development Programme – talented Junior Rotax kart racer Hugh Hobson.
Presently racing with Maxim Motorsport in karting, where he is contesting several championships in addition to the Kart Masters GP this year, the 14-year-old from Norfolk has been identified by Hillspeed as a driver with huge potential as he seeks to make the step-up to car racing in 2026.
Hobson, of course, joins Zak Sidney as a ‘Hillspeed Junior’ and the teenager is already pushing forward his preparation including key focus on his nutrition, physical and mental fitness and vital simulator work at Base Performance.
Having recently enjoyed a week of work experience with the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula One Team, at the squad’s headquarters in Milton Keynes, Hobson has a keen interest in the engineering side of motorsport as well as the actual driving.
Hobson only began his competitive involvement with karting in 2022 in Club 100, Rotax Junior Light, with 2023 his first season comprising a multitude of championships and also including his maiden Kart Masters GP race in Rotax Mini Max and the Rye House London Cup.
Last year he joined leading karting team Maxim Motorsport and stepped-up to Junior Rotax, where he remains this season – working closely with Hillspeed’s very own Daniel Guinchard, the points leader of the GB4 Championship.
Hobson will now go forward into the second half of 2025 as part of Hillspeed’s Driver Development Programme, being part of the team at race events and enhancing his knowledge and understanding of the GB4 car before his maiden test which is planned for later in the year at Snetterton 300 Circuit.
The appointment of both Hobson and the aforementioned Zak Sidney as Hillspeed Junior drivers further underlines the clear ladder of opportunity which exists at the Markham Vale team for aspiring young single-seater racers, the chance to progress through GB4 and onward to GB3.
Richard Ollerenshaw – Hillspeed Team Principal:
“Everyone at Hillspeed extends an extremely warm welcome to Hugh, we’re delighted to announce his place as a Hillspeed Junior Driver. Hugh has a lot of talent and ability and, although only having been in karting for a relatively short period, he is showing all the signs of a very capable and focused young man.
“With excellent support from his family and impressive discipline in terms of his fitness and nutrition, Hugh is determined to do everything required to become a successful young racing driver. It is that level of determination, and strong natural ability, which we have identified and we’re very much looking forward to working with Hugh as part of our Driver Development Programme.”
Hugh Hobson:
“This is an excellent opportunity, not to mention incredibly exciting for me to work with a winning team like Hillspeed and winning drivers. I cannot wait to get started on the transition from karting to single-seater cars on the next stage of my motorsport journey and see where it takes me.”
