Mercedes signs Chinese karting star into young driver programme

Sam Hall
Wednesday 2 June 2021 13:24 - Updated: 13:25

Mercedes has announced the signing of 13-year-old Kart driver Yuanpu Cui into its young driver programme.

Chinese karter Cui first drove a go-kart in 2008, aged six, and has been racing professionally since 2014. Now 13, he currently races in the OK Junior classes with Kart Republic in a number of series.

Cui is the latest driver to join the Mercedes junior programme, placing himself alongside F3 driver Frederik Vesti, Formula Regional European Championship driver Paul Aron, and karters Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Alex Powell.

"[I am] proud of being part of the Mercedes Junior Team," said Cui. "Hopefully I will achieve as many good results as I can, fighting for Mercedes and fighting for myself."

Although Shanghai has hosted the Chinese Grand Prix since 2004, China has never had a full-time F1 driver. Currently, F2 and Alpine Academy driver Guanyu Zhou is the most likely prospect to change this statistic.

Cui added: "My dream is to become an F1 driver. It won't be easy but I will try my best.

"Thanks Mercedes for giving me this opportunity to chase my dream."

Excited to have you on the junior squad, Yuanpu! 👏

The 13-year-old is racing in various karting series this year, in the OK Junior category 💪 pic.twitter.com/Wc0nLxcfhX

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) June 1, 2021