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compete in the Formula Two series for the second time in his promising career next year with the hopes of making it into the tough world of Formula One the following year.
Formula Two is just one rung behind the world popular Formula One. A United Kingdom-based magazine, Deck Magazine(DM), recently caught up with Jefferies (AJ) in London and had this interview with him.
DM: When did you first fall in love with cars and start racing them? How old were you for your first drive and first race?
AJ: I think I was probably three when I fell in love with motor sport. The fact that my father had a passion for motor sport helped too.
We would regularly go to Donny-Brooke and watch races. When I was five I was very fortunate to get a cheap go-kart for my birthday and I guess that’s where it all took off. I was six when I had my first professional race.
DM: Give us a brief insight into your racing background and what made you choose driving professionally as a career?
AJ: Well motor sport has been my passion since I can remember, so when I was given the chance to race I took it with both hands. Initially the racing started as a hobby, but as you start to do better, you start taking it more seriously.
DM: Zim is not exactly famed for producing F1 pedigree drivers so how did you end up here?
AJ: A lot of hard work! It has taken me 13 years to get to where I am now and it has been some of the greatest years of my life, but at the same time huge sacrifices have been made.
I am so grateful to have the support of my family, especially my dad as he has been the biggest influence in getting me to where I am at the moment. I raced karts in Zimbabwe for four years, karted in South Africa and Europe for another four winning several championships.
In 2007, I was signed by Toyota, and rewarded them by becoming the first person of colour to win a national championship in South Africa! After successfully competing in Europe I was signed by BMW to become a Formula BMW Junior and this helped make my transition in single seater race cars.
In my first year I finished third in the championship with two wins and eight podiums. Then this year I have been very fortunate to be given the opportunity to jump up to Formula 2!
DM: Growing up was it always your dream to race cars? Talk us through growing up in Zimbabwe.
AJ: To be honest, becoming a Formula 1 World Champion has been my goal since I was a little boy. I think Zimbabwe is probably the greatest country for any child to grow up in.
I went to Hellenic Primary School and had a very normal upbringing. The only difference is that I did not have any spare time to do things with friends or relax. If I wasn’t studying I was racing, so it was extremely tiring and very demanding at a young age. On the positive, I got to travel to amazing places every weekend!
DM: What was your turn around moment professionally?
AJ: My big break came when I got signed by Toyota. I was 12 and had my first professional contract. Toyota taught me to be a complete racing driver. I had a PR manager, fitness coach, a nutritionist, driver coach and a whole team around me. I repaid their faith in me by being the first person of colour to win a national championship in South Africa.
DM: How has been the experience this far? Is it as you imagined it to be?
AJ: I can’t describe how grateful I feel to be given his opportunity, as the journey I am on now is what most young boys dream off. It has been a lot harder than expected though, as in most sports . . . You have to work hard to be successful.
DM: How is your typical race day schedule like, any pre-race rituals or lucky driving boots?
AJ: We try and keep it as normal as we can. When we at home we are still training as hard, so there is no need to change the approach. I am not superstitious — I just get on with the job.
DM: What’s challenging about driving cars at such insane speed or is be fun all the way?
AJ: It’s so much fun! The only thing that gets to you is the G-force. After a while your neck starts to go, and it’s almost impossible to keep it upright through corners.
DM: Technology is a big influence in cars today. How has it affected you and the sport? Is it the driver or the car that matters?
AJ: The only formula where the car plays the biggest influence is Formula 1. Below that the governing bodies try to make the racing as fair as possible to ensure the talent always rises.
DM: Racing is fiercely competitive. Do you carry this onto the road too?
AJ: I try not to. Driving on the roads is more dangerous than racing, so I make sure I do not put myself and others at risk.
DM: Who would be on your ultimate race grid?
AJ: Definitely Senna would be on the grid, then Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Vettel, Kimi and a couple of the guys I raced against in Europe growing up.
DM: Who is your hero and inspiration on the track?
AJ: I look up to both Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. I think they are the greatest the sport has seen since Senna.
DM: What’s your biggest fear?
AJ: Spiders haha . . .
DM: Ever had a wipe out or bad accident on the track?
AJ: Accidents are part of the game. I have had many; probably my worst was when I rolled the car at Singapore night race. It was a massive shunt.
DM: What are you driving now?
AJ: Audi S1
DM: Manual or automatic?
AJ: Manual
DM: Best car you have driven?
AJ: Ferrari 458 Italia
DM: Favourite car of all time?
AJ: Lamborghini Aventador
DM: Best track you have driven on?
AJ: Macau Street Circuit, Hong Kong
DM: Ferrari or Lamborghini?
AJ: Lamborghini
DM: Top Gear or Fifth Gear?
AJ: It Has to be Top Gear
DM: Would you beat The Stig in a race?
AJ: Haha, The Stig is very talented but why not . . .
DM: Fastest speed you have ever driven at? Race or road?
AJ: I have done 305 km/h on the track. I never speed on the roads.
DM: Ever received a ticket or pay a bribe?
AJ: Only been stopped by the cops once because they recognised me (Laughs).
DM: You travel a lot, what’s your favourite destination?
AJ: Obviously nowhere comes near Zimbabwe, although I do enjoy Malaysia.
DM: What are the perks of being a race car driver? Do you get free cars or cool gear?
AJ: There are loads of perks. We get so many endorsements; watches, race wear, helmets, cars etc. Once you get momentum the more start to come in
DM: Do you listen to music when you drive or practice? What’s on your iPod or driving playlist?
AJ: No we would never be allowed to listen to music while we are driving. But I do love all types of music, strangely I have a thing for eighties music.
DM: How accessible is the sport to young talent or are the costs too prohibitive?
AJ: At grassroots it is fairly affordable, but as you get higher it is essential to have big partners. I have set a goal to start up a racing school in Zimbabwe with the objective to make it easier for young Zimbabweans to succeed in motor sport.
DM: How has your family been involved in your career? Do they support what you do?
AJ: I cannot thank my family enough for the support they have given me in my career. Most people would not believe the sacrifices they have made to get me to where I am. We all share the goal and want to achieve it for Zimbabwe.
DM: Has sponsorship been forthcoming?
AJ: I am extremely grateful to my sponsor Afri-hype, as they are making this national dream come true.
DM: What does the future hold for you? Will we see you on Formula 1 anytime soon?
AJ: I hope so. Ultimately, I would like to be in Formula 1 by 2014-15.
DM: What keeps you motivated? What drives you?
AJ: All the support I get from my fellow Zimbabweans.
DM: Who inspires you?
AJ: As a sportsman I would say Lewis Hamilton. I think he has gone through a lot of the same challenges we faced and has overcome them.
Ultimately I look up to my father, he has taught me so much, especially never to give up. He is such a fighter. An unbelievable man and Father.
DM: What would your greatest achievement be?
AJ: Definitely to become a Formula 1 World Champion.
DM: Advice to aspiring drivers?
AJ: Nothing comes easy. If you want something you need to work for it, there will be plenty of sacrifices, but just don’t give up.
DM: Give us a cool driving tip like how to overtake or take off faster.
AJ: Keep your right foot down! (Laughs).
DM: What annoys you most on the road?
AJ: People that drive slowly in the fast lane!
DM: Will we see you in a Formula 1 race in Africa anytime in your career?
AJ: That would be amazing! I believe South Africa is in discussions with the FOM to hold a Formula 1 Grand Prix there.
Online Reporter