Skip to content

Enaam Ahmed: The karting world champion tipped to become the next Lewis Hamilton

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Enaam Ahmed has won five major titles this year and has made breaking into Formula One his ambition.

Meet Enaam Ahmed: The 14-year-old World and European Karting Champion tipped to follow in the footsteps of Lewis Hamilton.

After moving from England’s Comer Cadets to KF3 Worldwide Karting last year, Ahmed has taken the circuit by storm, widely considered to have reached a level never before seen at his age.

In 2014 the youngster from London has clinched five major titles – the CIK World and European Championships, the WSK Super Masters, the Champions Cup and the Winter Cup – and he has even put Michael Schumacher's son Mick, tipped for a prestigious career of his own, in the shade.

Sky Sports went out to meet the “unassuming, bashful” teenager that will undoubtedly gate-crash Formula One as Hamilton did in 2007, according to his manager Chris Panayiotou.

“He’s an exception to others and has an incredible talent,” Panayiotou told Sky Sports.

Rye House kart circuit has had many champions come through here such as Hamilton, Jenson Button and also David Coulthard.... I have no doubt that one day he (Ahmed) will make it in Formula One.
Ahmed's manager Chris Panayiotou

“Rye House kart circuit has had many champions come through here such as Hamilton, Jenson Button and also David Coulthard.

“Enaam has started his career here and I think he has a better chance than most because of the foundations he has set.

More from Starting In Motorsport

“I have no doubt that one day he will make it in Formula One.”

Part of the foundations Ahmed has set is to stay grounded and focused with his school work – something the driver believes can only help him with his future in the sport.

“It’s very important,” Ahmed said. “It helps me a lot, especially when it comes to the data in racing; looking at graphs and stuff about the car.

“I tried a lot of sports, like football, but I realised I was good at karting and when I started doing well and getting on podiums I just kept going.

“I race karts at 85-90mph so I’ve had to up my game physically.”

Scott Rider, Ahmed’s head of year and PE teacher at Portland Place School in Westminster, believes the youngster’s character is commendable and will also aid his cause in reaching the pinnacle of racing.

Ryder said: “He’s very unassuming. If you met him you wouldn’t guess he’s a world champion. He’s quite bashful really and he certainly isn’t telling anyone what he’s done.”

Ahmed’s target is to beat his hero Hamilton and become the youngest ever Formula One driver when he is 21 and the backing of Hamilton’s former engine tuner at kart level, John Davis, is helping his cause.

So remember the name now; Enaam Ahmed. It’s likely to be one for the future. 

Around Sky