Seventeen-year-old Jarrod Waberski has a burning ambition to become an F1 star – and, with his latest achievement seeing him selected for the British Racing Driver’s Club’s (BRDC) Rising Stars Programme, it looks like that goal may be in sight.
Jarrod has been making a name for himself since he won a regional karting championship in 2013. He repeated this coup in 2017 and 2018 when he also won the South African title. He started competing in Formula 1600 Champion South Africa 2020 and has earned a number of multiple and race wins since.
With this track record, it’s not surprising that he’s been selected for the Rising Stars Programme – the first South African to have this prestigious honour bestowed on him. Participants in the programme – all younger than 24 – represent the BRDC in a number of championships around the world, with the aim of ultimately becoming a full member. With previous participants including the likes of Lewis Hamilton MBE and George Russell, the calibre of the programme is clear – and Jarrod is extremely excited to join these esteemed ranks.
As part of his training, he will be taking part in the GB3 Championship this year, the United Kingdom’s premier single-seater series, and a massively competitive event. Far from being put off by the tough nature of this challenge, Jarrod is filled with enthusiasm. “There is a lot to learn, and I find I’m always learning and striving to do better and better!” he says.