A learning curve: My first OKJ World Championship experience

18 October

My first-ever CIK/FIA World Championship was a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

After successfully competing in the WSK (World Series Karting) and the Champion of the Future race on the track in Franciacorta, Italy, I had a good feeling and my expectations of myself were therefore high. Why shouldn't I also achieve a good result at the World Champs? 

In the free practice, everything was going pretty well, I was motivated and relaxed. This good feeling lasted until the last practice when I became more and more aware that the other teams and drivers had been preparing for this weekend for months.

I started to put myself under mental pressure because my goal was clearly to get to the final.

When we didn't find the setup that was perfect for me, I struggled to maintain my otherwise positive attitude and felt a little bit unsettled.

My races in the Word Championship in Franciacorta did not produce the results I had hoped for, but I know that everything I learned will help me move forward in my career. 

The World Championship is different from every race I have taken part in. I particularly noticed this through the atmosphere in the paddock and trackside. The title is decided by a single race which means getting to the front in the heats is critical and leads to drivers leaving everything they have on the track. Everyone is racing harder.

When I look back, my preparation for it wasn't exactly optimal and that's certainly something I'll take with me for the upcoming races and the next World Championships.

What I consider to be very positive is that I was able to get to know the chassis even better and gain more understanding of the difference in the feeling between the feedback from the chassis and the engine.

I am very grateful and happy to have had the opportunity to take part in the World Championships, and to work with a team that was able to win its second consecutive World Championship title in the OK category.

Now, my focus turns to working hard in the off-season to develop my skills. Next year, I want to go to the final. I also want to use everything I've learned to be successful in other races and continue to improve as a driver.

I'll be doing more fitness training during the next few months and reflecting on my 2023 season. It's important to me that we always learn and strive for more.

I'm very grateful to have had my first World Championship experience and I'm looking forward to using this as a building block for the future.