MAX FEWTRELL | POLE POSITION
How does Max relax ? Well , he is no great reader and he enjoys what a lot of other 12 year olds do – trampolining , and playing with his brother . I did ask what Theo wanted to do when he grew up – follow his brother ?
No , he replied , I want to play rugger for England !! With the concentration his eyes , he will soon be seen training at Twickenham ! Interestingly , Theo is in no way jealous of his older brother travelling abroad each month , all he does ask at meal times occasionally if the subject of karting could be changed to his favorite sport !
When we spoke of trophies Max told me in his bedroom there is a cabinet with the 28 he has collected since he began in 2009 , so not bad for four years .
It is easy to forget when you are speaking to this confident boy that he is so young , He has an addiction for speed , he knows what adrenaline is . To hold up the Asian Open Karting Championship must have been such a proud moment for him , Louise and Paul .
On the question of hobbies , Max told me he had three - all of them included wheels
– all types of motor sports , cycling and radio controlled cars .
On the question of fear , I thought perhaps it was overtaking on the inside or driving at top speed , but Max ’ s fears are actually spiders and snakes . He went on to tell me his idol is the great Fernando Alonso , who was just 10 years old when Max was born .
There is much in common with these two champions , Alonso as a child participated in karting competitions throughout Spain supported by his father . Paul Fewtrell is not only his proud father and his sponsor ; he is someone to whom Max looks for guidance , yet he has never pushed him into the sport .
What a difficult line to take – supporting and encouraging yet not interfering , perhaps all fathers should take note of this superb partnership .
As Max grows older and wiser , I am sure every bend and chicane he takes in life , he will take in his stride . After all don ’ t forget his motto … Terminatio et Cupido .
Max Fewtrell ( left ) in the pit 20 | Summer 2012 | www . portugal-life . net |