He’s young, fast, and Irish. Recently we spoke with F4 racing car driver Conor Grant about his past, present and future.

What are your own roots?
I was born and raised in Ireland, and I am proud to represent my country both on and off the track. My mum recently took a DNA test and came back 99.6 per cent Irish, no surprises there! My dad, on the other hand, was born in Zimbabwe, so I am a bit of mix. Ireland has always been my home and where my heart is, but the exciting thing is with my sport I get to see the world.

When and why did you first become interested in racing?
It all kicked off from driving up and down the beach on a quad bike that my grandparents gave me. Then I stumbled upon the 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix on YouTube and everything changed, I went down to dinner that night and told my parents I wanted to be an F1 driver. Shortly after my Dad took me to the track to watch a kart race and petrol has been in my veins ever since.

Are they the same reasons that you continue to do it?
Partly, yes. I still love the speed and adrenaline, but now it’s also about the challenge. Racing in Formula 4, especially in the U.S., has opened up so many new experiences. Every race is a new opportunity to grow and prove myself. The core love for it is still the same, but now there is even more driving me forward and it’s truly what I want to do with my life.

How have you evolved as a driver over time?
I have matured massively over the last seven years. Racing has taught me life lessons I wouldn’t have picked up anywhere else – how to win, how to lose, and how to bounce back. I’ve become smarter behind the wheel and more focused overall. I am constantly working to improve both mentally and physically – it’s all part of becoming a better athlete and a better person.

What are the challenges of the vocation?
Racing demands you to be at your best physically and mentally, so I train hard outside the car. One of the biggest challenges is funding, and getting sponsorship is a constant battle. On top of that, Logistics are tough too, especially balancing my school in Ireland and racing in the U.S.

What are the rewards?
Winning is the ultimate reward, and that feeling when all your hard work pays off is like nothing else. But even the tough days are valuable because they push you to come back stronger. Racing keeps me mentally sharp, physically fit, and constantly chasing improvement. And the buzz you get from a great result is addictive.

What have been some career highlights to date?
My first big win was the Cadet Rookie O Plate in 2019. Then in 2022, I won the TKC Junior X30 Championship. But the big one came in 2023, I became one of the youngest drivers to win the Motorsport Ireland Senior X30 Championship. Another major highlight was making my F4 debut at the legendary Circuit of the Americas in Texas in 2024.

Who are your favourite drivers in F1, F2, F3?
In F1, it’s Max Verstappen, he was just breaking through when I started watching and really inspired me. In F2, I have to say Alex Dunne, not just because he’s Irish, but because he’s seriously talented, and his family have supported us on our journey. In F3, I’ve followed Ugo Ugochukwu for years since karting – he’s another standout talent.

Where is your favourite track?
Definitely the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. It’s a world-class track with an amazing flow, especially through the fast first sector. I raced there in 2024 and the whole experience was unforgettable, just being on the same circuit as some of my idols was surreal. It’s a weekend I will always remember.

What is the level of interest in racing like in Ireland?
Ireland has a strong motorsport scene, especially in rally. But formula racing is growing fast and – thanks to guys like Alex Dunne – more young drivers are pushing into karting and single-seaters. The talent is definitely there. It’s competitive, on the rise, and the momentum is building.

How can that be improved?
More support, visibility, and opportunities for young drivers in disciplines other than rally would help massively. I’m one of only three Irish drivers racing in FIA Formula series in the world and hopefully this will show other Irish kids that it can be done. I see this all the time in my work with the all the great youngsters in the Wexford Motor Club Youth Academy as their Lead Driver Mentor. For a small island, we punch above our weight, and we’re only just getting started.

What’s on your racing agenda for the rest of 2025?
I’m finishing out the season in the U.S. F4 Championship with my fantastic team Scuderia Buell and we have races coming up at New Jersey Motorsports Park, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, VIR, and the iconic Barber Motorsports Park. I’m especially excited for the Canadian round, we’ll be racing alongside NASCAR that weekend, which will be an incredible experience and atmosphere.

What are your long-term goals for your career?
I want to become a successful professional racing driver. Ideally, I’d love to go the Formula route, and the possibility of driving in the U.S. IndyCar also really excites me. The path I’m on now allows me to also consider endurance racing like IMSA or WEC. Whatever the route, my goal is to keep progressing and competing at the highest level I can reach. Right now I just want to drive – all day, every day – for the rest of my life.

www.conorgrantracing.com
@conorgrantracing