Scottish primary school go-karter speeds into Formula 1 training academy

A schoolgirl from Bo’ness is celebrating after being accepted into the prestigious Formula 1 training academy.

Khloe McGill, aged ten, began competing in the sport at just six years old and now races at top speeds of around 70 miles per hour.

“Since I was four months old, I’ve been at a racetrack as my dad raced,” said Khloe.

“I just loved the speed, the smell, everything and watching everybody fly around the track.”

Her chuffed mum and dad say she is the youngest ever driver to be accepted onto the F1 academy programme.

“We’re extremely proud of Khloe,” said her dad Steven McGill, who is also Khloe’s mechanic. “It’s just amazing to watch her on the track.”

“Her school in Bo’ness have been really good,” he added. “Her headteacher and her teachers support what she’s doing. My biggest wish for Khloe is to smile and enjoy it and love life, to take every opportunity and just enjoy what she’s doing…as long as your kids are happy at the end of the day that’s the main thing.”

The F1 Academy’s Discover Your Drive series, managed by Scottish former professional racing driver Susie Wolff, aims to nurture the next generation of female racing talent.

Khloe currently trains regularly at Larkhall Circuit, the longest karting track in Scotland along with other top young drivers.

This season, Khloe has already managed to secure some superb results, finishing seventh in the British championships and she has also just returned from a three-day F1 academy series in Abu Dhabi.

The school pupil is now gearing up to try and attract new sponsors for the next step in her journey to making her full Formula 1 dreams come true.

“It’s just my biggest dream,” Khloe said. “People think racing is just for boys, but I want to show people that girls are strong, that they’re just the same as boys, or even better.”