From Preston Road to Silverstone - how Hull Karting helped 16-year-old Leon to racing success

A Hull teen who got into racing nearly ten years ago has now speeded around one of the most prestigious tracks in the world in the GB4 Championship.

Leon Wilson, 16, first tried his hands behind the wheel when he went to Hull Karting, near Preston Road. The youngster took to the track instantly, honing his skills at the east Hull centre where his talent became clear - and he was soon invited to compete in the British School Karting Championships.

Leon was given a place in Arden Motorsport's Young Racing Driver Academy in 2021. Founded by Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner, alongside his father Garry, in 1997, it is one of the most prestigious institutions in racing, and boasts current F1 drivers and grand prix winners Sergio Perez, Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly among its former drivers.

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Leon said: “When I first went to Hull Karting, it was just for fun, but since the age of 11, I took more of an interest in motorsport and started racing karts competitively.

“I was able to gain plenty of experience racing at Hull Karting and the staff are always so supportive.

“It’s a really great track, one of my favourites. I think with it being outdoor too, it presents you with plenty of challenges, such as variable weather, which you don’t get with indoor tracks and helps when driving on other circuits.

“It’s a great place to start for anyone interested in a racing career and I can’t thank Hull Karting enough for its support over the years.”

Leon was promoted to compete for Arden in the GB4 Championship in 2024 - making his debut at Oulton Park in Cheshire. Finishing sixth, 11th and sixth again, the teen also clocked in the fastest lap in races two and three.

His latest milestone was achieved on April 27, when Leon completed an impressive third and second in qualifying at the legendary Silverstone track. After an 11th place finish in the first race and race two being cancelled due to extreme weather, Leon earned his first GB4 podium finish when he finished third - just 8.6 seconds behind the winner.

GB4 Championship is supported by the British Racing Drivers’ Club, whose president is 13-time grand prix winner and 2001 Formula One World Championship runner-up David Coulthard.

On being told he would be racing in this year’s GB4, Leon said: “I was really excited when Arden told me they were entering me into GB4 this year.

“It was a year ahead of schedule, so it was slightly overwhelming at first, but now it’s like second nature and I’m focusing on where I am going to overtake competitors, rather than when I am going brake for the corners.

“I was pleased with my race pace in the opening round at Oulton Park, but my qualifying could have been better.

“I had a good start in qualifying at Silverstone, so I was disappointed to only finish 11th having been overtaken by more experienced drivers with better race craft.

“However, to earn my first podium in race three was amazing and hopefully the first of many.

“Arden is a great team with huge experience which knows how to help a driver progress to the very top.

“The end goal is Formula One, but for this year, I’d like to get a few wins and pole positions and I’m aiming for a top three finish in the championship.”

Hull Karting - where Leon got his first taste of the track - recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, and launched the new Hull Adventure Centre in March.

John Haines, manager at Hull Karting, said: “Leon became a member of Hull Karting Club aged 10 having enjoyed coming to us for three years before that.

“Immediately, his talent was obvious and it wasn’t a surprise to see him picked up by an organisation as prestigious as Arden.

“It’s fantastic to see him given the opportunity now in single seater racing in the GB4 Championship.

“Hull Karting Club is about helping to find the next Lewis Hamilton and to know we’ve been a step on Leon’s journey so far is humbling.

“Everyone at Hull Karting and the wider Hull Adventure Centre is eagerly following his progress and wishes him all the success in the future.”

You can watch Leon in action during the GB4 Championship with every race livestreamed on YouTube, as well as on the championship’s website and social me.