Hunter Yeany is a 15-year-old racing driver from Virginia Beach in the United States. He became the youngest F4 champion ever in F4 US last season. I had the chance to chat with him.
youngdriversmonthly:
Hi Hunter! How are you doing?
Hunter Yeany:
I’m doing great. I’m enjoying a little down time as we prepare for the 2021 Season.
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YDM:
When did you start karting? And what do you like more. Racing cars or karts?
HY:
My dad took me to an indoor track for fun when I was nine and we went for about a year. At about 10 1/2 I went to a real track and practiced and at 11 I raced for the first time in a kart. There’s no doubt that I like cars more than karts, but I do enjoy karting more now than before.
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YDM:
You became the youngest ever F4 champion in 2020. What was your favorite moment of last years F4 US season?
HY:
I think just finally clinching the Championship. I put in a lot of hard work, and so did a lot of other people to get me where I’m at and Winning the championship was for all of them.
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YDM:
You’ll be part of the Velocity Racing Development team for the third consecutive year in 2021. What do you like most about working with them?
HY:
I think we’ve got a great group of people around us. I’ve been there since the beginning so I have seen it all. The team just has such a desire to win, and they work hard and push to get the best out of everyone.
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YDM:
How does a normal week day in your life look like?
HY:
People probably assume that I drive all the time, but I live in Virginia Beach and we don’t have a track around here. So most weeks are spent working out, driving on the simulator, and doing homework. During a driving week I really just like focusing on driving, and learning as much as I can. I never want to waste an opportunity to get better.
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YDM:
Which racing drivers have inspired you? Who are your favorites?
HY:
First and foremost, Niki Lauda. I’ve been a fan of his as long as I can remember. I got to sit in one of his Mclaren formula cars in Illinois and it was awesome. I think being a driver and knowing the car the way he did is really important, especially when you need to communicate what is happening with the car.
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YDM:
You’re going to race in FR Americas next season. What is the goal?
HY:
There’s only one goal for me and that’s to win.
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YDM:
Back in March you and @danmitch14 took the initiative as one of the firsts to set up an international iRacing series for Formula 4 drivers all around the world. Further you competed in some other iRacing series. What have you learnt from this time to prepare yourself for the real life races?
HY:
I think what I learned most is that simulation is just that, simulation. Depending on your simulator you can do certain things that you never could on a real track. Simulators are really good for learning the the basics of the tracks before you go. You can also try stuff on a simulator and not have devastating consequences. So I think it’s just another tool in a drivers tool box.
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YDM:
How would you describe your racing style?
HY:
I’d say it’s pretty aggressive. I have a great team around me who work hard to win, and it just boosts my confidence. We prepare hard, and I just trust my ability, my team, and the car.
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YDM:
What is the best and what is the worst thing about racing for you personally?
HY:
I think the best thing is just being able to push myself doing something that I love to do. I love the competition. Many people don’t get the opportunity to do it, and I’m grateful that I have the support that I do. The worst for me as a 15 yr old driver is probably the current travel restrictions. I had plans to test again in Europe after this season with some great teams and we just couldn’t get it nailed down because testing dates kept changing due to Covid-19.
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YDM:
What job would you choose if you weren’t a racing driver?
HY:
I really want to own my own business someday. Something probably with cars.
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YDM:
Who are your main supporters and sponsors in your career so far?
HY:
My family are my biggest supporters. Dan Mitchell from VRD, and the military community here in the states. Sean Evangelista from Thirty Seconds Out served with my dad and has supported me from the beginning.
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YDM:
How can fans follow your journey in racing?
HY:
You can follow me on Instagram at @hunteryeany. Later this month or next I’ll have all my social media linked up with a website and if it all works out I’ll see you all in Europe in 2022.