Jude Andrews: Karting With Grit, Passion, and the Winning Spirit

Eight Karting rounds, seven podiums, four race wins, two pole positions, and a lap time of 58.081 – this isn’t the driver profile of an F1 contender, but of one in the making.

At 13 years old, Jude Andrews is fast becoming a name to watch in Bahrain’s karting scene, racking up one achievement after another. Just six months after he first got behind the wheel, Jude delivered a standout rookie season, finishing as Vice Champion (mini category) in the Bahrain ROTAX MAX Championship (BRMC) at the Bahrain International Karting Circuit (BIKC). As the leading karting series in the Gulf region, BRMC draws top drivers of all ages and nationalities, each competing in their Rotax-powered kart.

In the high-energy world of motorsport, where adrenaline and ambition come together on track, Jude is carving a path of his own, backed by his team, Praga Racing, and his parents by his side.

The Andrews family has called Bahrain home since 2023. David Andrews, Jude’s father, works as a logistics management specialist with the Defense Logistics Agency Energy Middle East. While father and son had always bonded over a shared love of motorsports, neither expected Jude to take to the sport quite so quickly.

“If I win, you take me karting to BIKC,” Jude once challenged his father at a neighbourhood track. That playful dare turned out to be the start of something ambitious. “That’s when I realised he wasn’t just interested; he truly believed in himself,” David recalls. “We just want to support him and watch him go as far as he can.”

Now moving up to the Junior category, Jude’s ambition is clear: Formula 1. His ultimate dream? To race for Mercedes AMG Petronas, following in the footsteps of one of his idols, Lewis Hamilton. To get there, Jude and his support system must navigate the world of motorsport, securing sponsorships, and maintaining motivation.

We caught up with Jude to talk about his journey, his racing heroes, and what’s going through his mind as he prepares for the next lap of his career.

What got you into karting, and when did you know it was something you wanted to stick with?

I first got into karting when I was lucky enough to race against Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris and the McLaren F1 team in February 2024. I was visiting BIKC with my mum and dad and the team was there doing a media shoot. Driving the karts against them was so much fun, and it sparked my interest in racing. After this, I decided to do a 6-week training course at the BIKC to develop my skills. I knew karting was something I was going to stick with when I was offered the chance to drive with the Praga Middle East team. 

What goes through your mind while you’re racing? Do you do anything special to stay focused or calm?

Before every race, I think positively and hope that I stay safe and do well. I always focus on giving my best performance, and I remember everything I have learnt in my practice sessions. When I’m driving, I don’t think about anything else. It is important to focus on every turn to maximise my performance.   

You had an impressive rookie season. What’s been your proudest moment so far?

The Round 8 race was the proudest moment of my season. Winning the pre-final and the final races meant everything to me, as I had worked so hard in my practice sessions up to that point. It showed me that racing isn’t just about winning, it’s about the journey to get there. The wins made every training session worth it. I wasn’t expecting to finish the 2024-2025 season as Vice-Champion, but the hard work paid off.

You’re now moving up a category. What changes are you expecting, and how are you preparing?

I am expecting the junior kart to handle differently. The acceleration, top speed, steering, and braking will be completely different, and I am constantly working to adjust my lines and fine-tune my driving, working towards a race win in this new category. I have been using a personal trainer to prepare my body for the demands of the bigger kart and have also been working on my reflexes to keep my mind sharp.

If you could race anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

My dream circuit to race at would be PF International, which is a karting track in England. It would mean a lot to me to drive there as it is in my home country (England). Hopefully, I can race there one day and secure a podium.

Who is your driver icon and why?

Max Verstappen is my driver icon. He mastered the art of racing at a young age, is great at overtaking and drives well in all conditions. He is one of the best drivers in Formula 1 currently and he stands out due to his aggressive driving style.

Outside of karting, what do you enjoy doing to relax or have fun?

Outside of karting, I enjoy playing football, basketball, and swimming, and of course, spending time with my family and friends.