Kenya's Formula 1 Hopeful Wahome Revels In Successful F3 Season

NAIROBI, Kenya- Jeremy Wahome, the United Kingdom-based Kenyan Formula 3 driver, wrapped his 2018 campaign in 12th position overall for his Italian outfit, Scuadra Villorba Corsa (SVC).

Wahome, who started his career with go-karts at the Rift Valley Motor Sports Club Solai racetrack, featured in the just concluded Asian Formula 3 Championship that is certified by world governing body, the FIA. 

He outlined his plans for next season as he continues his quest to break into the top-tier Formula 1 once he completes his university education.

"That's what we're trying to figure out now. There's a lot of changes going on in the European Formula 3 environment, so we're waiting for confirmations, and of course looking for sponsors which is quite difficult,” the 19 year-old stated.

"Well, that marks the end of the 2018 season. Race 2 was compromised when my front wing came loose on lap 1, but I still managed to hold onto 9th place, and a DNF in race 3. 

“Overall it's been an interesting year in Asia with a new car, new team, new championship. Had to miss round 2 of the championship because of my Visa, but made it for Round 3 in Shanghai and Round 4 in Ningbo China,” Wahome added.

“It was a new circuit for me with exciting new challenge. Generally, I enjoyed the racing in Asia and trying out new circuits. A lot of valuable lessons were learnt along the way so it's been a great year. Thanks to the team and everyone who made it possible."

The Formula 1 hopeful started racing when he was eight competing in the 60cc category before graduating to the 100cc category in 2012. Three years later, he finished second in the national championship.

"I started racing in the Formula BMW Asia Cup series in August 2015 where I managed to stand on the podium thrice times with two second and a third place finish. 

Rookie award

Kenya’s Formula 1 hopeful, Jeremy Wahome in action at an Asian Formula 3 Championship race that is certified by world governing body, the FIA. PHOTO/Courtesy

“I also won the rookie award thrice. I didn't finish the championship because I had to move school in the UK so I could race there the following year,” Wahome underscored.

In 2016 and 2017 he moved up to the British F3 Championship with Chris Dittmann Racing, where he finished 21st and 14th in that order.

Dittmann confirmed its second driver for the 2016 BRDC British Formula 3 season with Kenyan racer Wahome joining the race-winning outfit for a full campaign. 

The then 17-year-old tested the new Tatuus-Cosworth with the team at Brands Hatch was subsequently committed to the championship for the rest of that campaign.

The Nairobi native previously tested the former Ralph Firman Racing-designed BRDC Formula 4 car at a test session in Spain prior to the 2015 season. 

He subsequently raced in the Formula BMW Asia Cup Series, held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia and competed in the Super-Six category before taking part in one round of the full Asia Cup, claiming three top rookie awards with two runner-up finishes and a third place from five races.

Wahome moved to Cheltenham in the UK to focus on both his racing commitments and schooling, studying at Cheltenham College.

"It felt great to be in the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship with Chris Dittmann Racing. I wanted to join the championship in 2015 but I've got the chance this year so it is really exciting. 

“When I decided I wanted to graduate from karting, the championship I wanted to join and with the introduction of the new car, it has made it even better."

Wahome at a glance

D.O.B: 14/12/1998

P.O.B: Nairobi, Kenya

LIVES: Cheltenham

2006: Begins karting in Kenya

2015: Graduates to single-seaters competing in the Formula BMW Asia Cup Series, claiming three top rookie awards with two runner-up finishes and a third place

2018: Asian Formula 3 Championship certified by FIA-12th overall