Billy 'Whizz' Monger's return confirmed

Billy Monger will make his anticipated return behind the wheel this weekend when he features for Carlin in the opening round of BRDC British F3 Championship at Oulton Park, as he completes his career recovery following a tragic accident last year which left him with both legs amputated.

Monger was previously viewed as a promising young British driver before the accident at Donnington in Formula Four competition which was so serious it resulted in the amputation of both legs.

At just 17-years-old, it looked likely that Monger's career would be prematurely cut short, but he has miraculously recovered within a year following a Just Giving page which raised £850,000 to aid the recovery.

During his recuperation, he received widespread support from fans and Formula One drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, Daniel Ricciardo, Max Verstappen, and Jenson Button.

Hamilton, in particular, grew close to Monger and praised the young man for being an inspiration with how quickly he has battled to recovery.

"Obviously I have watched closely the incident that he had which I think broke everyone's heart to see that kind of thing happen," Hamilton said.

”For me personally it really it home as I remember being where he was in that category and fighting your way up with the dream and your view on being in Formula One and to have that taken away from you in an instant, that was really not his fault. I was just devastated.

"People always ask me where I get my inspiration from. I get inspiration from all these other individuals doing amazing things around the world and he is one of those."

Monger will feature for Carlin this weekend, and is able to operate the F1 vehicle via a paddle on the steering wheel to accelerate, another to downshift and upshift, while his right prosthetic leg allows him to brake.

A spokesperson for the team, said:

"He will absolutely be on the grid this weekend.

"It's absolutely incredible to have him back on the grid. He helps motivate the team, he is competitive as well and has the potential to do a lot more.

"We want to be able to help him achieve his potential."