Published Jan 12, 2020, 5:00 AM SGT

Singaporean Sean Hudspeth is aiming for success on the race track this season

The 25-year-old joined GT racing team AF Corse using Ferrari cars last year, making the leap from the Porsche Supercup to the Italian GT Sprint Championship.

Despite having less than a month to adapt to a new car and a higher championship class (GT3), Hudspeth and teammate Antonio Fuoco went on to claim the Pro-Am overall title.

“It was a very steep learning curve, thrown into the deep end with a new car, a new environment and a new championship,” said Hudspeth, who is also a coach at Corso Pilota, Ferrari’s driving school.

“The goal was to win every race, but there were hiccups and bumps along the way. It’s upsetting but it was important that we didn’t give up until it was over.

“It was amazing to win and having the Singapore flag on the top of the podium was pretty special.”

While fans often only see the glitz and glamour of motor racing, drivers like Christian and Hudspeth have had to make sacrifices to pursue their passion.

“People see pictures of drivers on the podium spraying the champagne, but behind the success is always a lot of tough times and work that goes in,” said Hudspeth, whose goal is to compete in the 24 hours of Le Mans, the world’s oldest endurance race for sports cars.

“My family is together only two to three times a year and I miss them. Ultimately, they understand that I’m following my passion.

“In such a competitive environment, if you want to succeed, you have to make sacrifices, you have to work harder than anyone else.”