A never-seen-before acceleration: From Go-karts to formula racing

As the second son of Miss Sports Vietnam – Dr. Nguyen Thu Huong, Ben began approaching go-karting at the end of 2024, a stage at which most drivers around the world must spend many years training foundational skills such as driving feel, centrifugal-force control, micro-level reflexes, and maintaining a stable racing line. In less than a year, Ben won the Go-kart International 2024 championship — an achievement that demonstrates extremely precise track reading and apex-handling abilities, while also revealing a rare rate of development even within the international motorsport environment.

 

When transitioning to formula cars, where speeds can reach 240 km/h, downforce exceeds 400 kg, and G-forces during braking or cornering range from 1.7G to 2.3G, Ben had to adapt to a series of technical demands such as trail-braking, weight distribution, grip management, aerodynamic balance, and operating carbon brake systems. Under the training of Alex Young, former Southeast Asian F1 driver, Ben quickly adapted to FIA’s stringent standards and stepped onto a professional development pathway.

 

Impressions at F4 Southeast Asia: Important foundation when going global

In the FIA system, Formula 4 is the first step on the Road to F1 pathway, where drivers are evaluated based on tactical thinking, data analysis ability, and consistency in operating the car under various aerodynamic conditions. At F4 Southeast Asia (F4 SEA), Asia’s leading youth championship with an average of 23–26 drivers each season — most of whom have competed in international series or possess many years of karting experience — Ben drew strong attention by finishing third in the opening race, becoming one of the two most promising young drivers of the season.

 

This result is particularly meaningful given that Ben had only a few months in F4, while most competitors had already completed one to two seasons. This became the foundation that helped Ben earn a spot to compete on the bigger stage of Abu Dhabi.

 

F4 Formula Trophy Abu Dhabi: When Vietnam shows up amidst the global motorsport

F4 Formula Trophy Abu Dhabi is one of the highest-quality F4 championships in the world, as it gathers most drivers from top academies such as Prema Racing, Hitech Grand Prix, MP Motorsport, and R-ACE GP — organizations that have produced many drivers currently competing in F2 and F3. The championship requires drivers to master late-apex cornering techniques, maintain aerodynamic stability at high speeds, handle extremely high braking forces, and control tire grip when track temperatures can exceed 45°C.

 

In a competitive environment where many drivers already have 2-3 years of prior F4 experience, whether in racing or testing, Ben’s achievement of placing in the top 16 is clear evidence of a standout level of adaptability for someone at age 17. This milestone also marks the official appearance of Vietnam on the international motorsport map.

 

Community aspirations: Bringing motorsports closer to Vietnamese youths

Currently a 12th-grade student at an international school in Ho Chi Minh City, Ben continues to nurture his passion for mechanical engineering, aerodynamics, vehicle design simulation, and racing-related technologies. In 2026, Ben aims to compete in the full Asian F4 season, while also expanding into international F4 championships with stricter standards, thereby accumulating experience, strengthening lap-time data, and gradually advancing to higher levels on the Road to F1.

 

Alongside his racing journey, Ben Nguyen and his family — especially Dr. Nguyen Thu Huong, who plays the role of strategic advisor — hope to collaborate with motorsport organizations in Vietnam to build a program that introduces the sport following true international standards. The goal is not only to develop young talent but also to spread a spirit of technical curiosity, determination, and confidence to push beyond limits among Vietnamese youth.