“It had to be gold today or nothing. What’s the point of seven medals if they’re not the right colour?”
Bradley Wiggins, 2012 Tour de France Winner and Four Time Olympic Gold Medalist
One of the most exciting prospects in the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1 Team’s young driver line-up, Oliver Turvey broke the motorsport mould on his way towards achieving his dream.
A focused, fast and intelligent racer, Penrith-born Turvey was hooked on F1 from the age of five, began karting at seven and spent his teenage years nurturing his on-track talent while gaining a degree in engineering at Cambridge – where he became the only person to ever receive a University Blue in motorsport.
His on-track achievements include British F3 Vice Champion, Formula Renault 3.5 Rookie Champion, GP2 Race Winner and McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Winner. This legendary prize has been won in the past by David Coulthard, Jenson Button, Gary Paffett and Anthony Davidson, and every former winner has gone on to a successful career in international motorsport.
Turvey is now on that trail and, still young and hungry for more success, his talent and F1 potential has been recognised by some of the best in the business, with backing from the Racing Steps Foundation and a position as a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1 Development Driver.
Engineer. Straight-A student. Out-and-out Racer. Proven Winner.
One of the sports most intelligent and rounded drivers.
He’s one of a kind.
What drives Oliver Turvey?
My mentor…
“My dad. He’s been there from the start of my career and has helped guide me to the point I am now.”
I wanted to be a racing driver…
“…because of the huge challenge involved and because to become the best in world is more than just about being quick.”
My favourite thing to do away from the track…
“Cycling and running. Not only because of its importance to my job, but it’s a great way to clear your mind. Of course I also love spending time with friends and family to have fun and relax.”
My favourite circuit…
“It’s a tough one but between, Spa, Macau and Monaco. Spa because it’s a free-flowing track set in a picturesque location, the other two because they are iconic motorsport street circuits where there is no room for error.”
My best ever motorsport moment…
“So far…! On-track, it has to be winning Monaco in Formula Renault 3.5 on my debut and off-the-track, obviously winning the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award in 2006 was a huge accolade and following in the footsteps of such great names is both an honour and a challenge…”
If I wasn’t a racing driver, I would be…
“Competing in some other type of professional sport – probably a cyclist.”
I like engineering because…
“I like to understand why and how things work, as opposed to just accepting facts at face value. It interests me, and from a motorsport sense it also helps massively to understand what’s going on! Engineering is a very important part of racing, so to be able to discuss things with the engineers with a good level of understanding in the subject can lead to a big difference in performance.”
F1 is the pinnacle because…
“It’s every young driver’s goal and it’s motorsport’s ultimate global stage – but for me it’s the sum of its parts that make it special. It involves the very best of sport, engineering and business all in one place. It’s about the finest talents coming together and putting on a show, whether it’s the best drivers, the top engineers, the most innovative commercial people or the most passionate fans. There are so many ingredients – and right now it just seems to be getting better and better.”
My favourite sport and sports person outside motorsport…
“As I mentioned, I love cycling and Bradley Wiggins is an inspirational athlete. Cycling is good to watch because it’s a such a tactical sport where races are won with good strategy – I guess I can relate to that because it makes it quite similar to professional motorsport.”
The best country I’ve visited…
“I love spending time in Italy. The food is fantastic, the weather is good and the people are relaxed and friendly.”
My favourite food and drink…
“Most Italian food and for drink – fruit juices.”
My favourite music…
“I have quite an eclectic taste in music, but the last song I listened to on my iPod was one by Faithless.”
My ultimate goal…
“Ultimately to become a Formula One World Champion, but in general to make the most of every opportunity.”