Silverstone, 22 August 2024 – British racing talent Joseph Loake took a significant step in his burgeoning career by testing the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team AMR22 at the iconic Silverstone Grand Prix circuit. This test, awarded as part of his victory in the 2023 Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award (AMABA), marks an exciting milestone for the 19-year-old driver.
Loake, who clinched the 2023 AMABA accolade, completed a noteworthy 39 laps around the 3.66-mile Silverstone track, making it his first-ever experience behind the wheel of a Formula 1® car. The AMR22, a model raced by four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and current Aston Martin F1® driver Lance Stroll during the 2022 FIA Formula 1® World Championship season, provided a formidable challenge for the young driver.
The test day unfolded with a series of installation laps to familiarize Loake with the car and the circuit. Following these initial laps, he delved into a series of runs with slick tyres, accumulating over 225 kilometers of driving in dry conditions. Throughout the day, Loake experienced both hard and soft-compound Pirelli tyres in the 1.6-litre V6 engine-powered AMR22, which, paired with a twin-energy hybrid system, delivers an impressive 1000bhp.
Loake’s reaction to his debut was one of awe and exhilaration. “It’s been incredible,” he said. “I knew it was going to be faster than anything I’d driven, but the grip and speed through the fast turns was absolutely astonishing – a whole level above anything I could have imagined.”
The test allowed Loake to experience firsthand the responsiveness and precision of the F1® car. “The Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team AMR22 is incredible,” he enthused. “I’ve never known a car to be so responsive to every steering adjustment, every dab of throttle. It’s the most compliant car I’ve ever driven, and that gives you confidence to push.”
Loake’s performance was met with high praise from Robert Sattler, F1 Evolution Programme Director at AMF1 Team. “Joseph did a very good job on his first time driving a Formula 1 car. It’s a big step up from what he’s used to in Formula 3, but he dealt with everything extremely professionally,” Sattler commented. “He made a very good impression on the team with his attitude. His ability to assimilate feedback and apply it on track shows a young driver’s potential.”
In addition to the test, Loake’s AMABA prize included a cash award of £200,000, full British Racing Drivers’ Club membership, an Arai helmet, and a personalized Jordan Bespoke helmet bag. He emerged victorious from a competitive assessment process involving various vehicles, including the Aston Martin Vantage GT3.
As Loake continues his ascent in the racing world, this F1® test represents a pivotal moment in his career, offering invaluable experience and insight that will undoubtedly contribute to his development as a driver. With his performance at Silverstone, Loake has reaffirmed his status as a promising talent with a bright future in motorsport.
