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 |