British F3 Driver Billy Monger gets Surprise F1 Test

British F1 driver Billy Monger has been handed a surprise test in a Formula 1 car at Rockingham, UK.

Monger returned to racing in 2018 in the British Formula 3 championship following a horrific crash at Donington Park last year. As a result of hat crash, he had to have both lower legs amputated.

Monger currently races a modified hand-operated Carlin car to accommodate his disability. Recently, the young Briton was given a shock test arranged by historic F1 car supplier Heritage F1.

The 19-year-old drove a 2011 spec F1 car on the Rockingham circuit. The same circuit where he raced earlier in the year in British F3. Once again, the controls were adapted to allow Monger to operate it with his hands. The British teenager enjoyed his first run in the car after a seat fitting.

Monger secured a stunning podium result in his first race since his injuries. Namely a third place in the 2018 British F3 opening race. He currently sits eighth in the drivers’ championship after the first 4 rounds.

Monger helped pave the way for the FIA to alter its rules to allow disabled drivers to compete in its affiliated racing series.

The car he drove was a 2011 Sauber C30, although it did not have that year’s V8 engine at the back. His instructor for the run was former F1 driver and F1 commentator Johnny Herbert.

The 19-year old has been an inspiration for many drivers, having overcome the odds to do what he does best.

He has even been a frequent visitor in the Mercedes F1 garage as countryman, Lewis Hamilton’s guest.

In the British F3 Championship, ‘Billy Whizz’ has managed to finish in the top 10 in all but 3 occasions. The F3 grid is halfway through their season before the season finale at Silverstone on 14th October.