Rising Stars of Truck Racing Get a Front-Row Seat at the F1 GP in Qatar
It’s been a remarkable year for young racing talents José Eduardo Rodrigues and Bradley Smith in the Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship. Finishing first and second respectively, both drivers made their mark in the Young Drivers’ Championship classification, a new category which was introduced in 2023.
In recognition of their standout performances, they received an invitation many aspiring drivers can only dream of — a chance to attend the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix, courtesy of the FIA and their commitment to supporting the Goodyear FIA ETRC in fostering the next generation of truck racing drivers.
An Unforgettable Experience
The weekend at the Losail International Circuit offered José Eduardo and Bradley an immersive glimpse into the world of Formula 1. With FIA guest passes granting access to premium hospitality and exclusive experiences, the young drivers found themselves in the heart of motorsport excellence.
One of the highlights was a visit to the FIA Safety and Medical Car garage, where Bernd Mayländer, the Safety Car driver for over two decades, shared insights into his role. For the aspiring racers, it was fascinating to learn how vital coordination and precision are to ensuring the safety of the world’s fastest drivers.
Inside the Mercedes-AMG F1 Garage
The Mercedes-AMG F1 team welcomed the duo into their garage for an exclusive tour. From spare parts and data analysis stations to tyre management and team operations, José and Bradley got a rare peek into how the team prepares cars for world champion Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
“The Mercedes garage tour was definitely a highlight,” Bradley reflected. “Seeing the amount of spares they carry and understanding the scale of the operation was incredible. It’s something we can learn from — keeping things professional, tidy and engaging for fans.”
Motivation for the Road Ahead
For José Eduardo, the weekend was more than just a learning opportunity — it was an inspiration: “This was my first F1 race, and the atmosphere was incredible. Seeing the best drivers in the world and understanding the effort that goes into every aspect of the weekend is hugely motivating for my own career.”
Both drivers left with valuable takeaways to bring back to the Goodyear FIA ETRC. “Watching the F1 teams operate gives you ideas,” Bradley explained. “Whether it’s about how we present ourselves in the Goodyear FIA ETRC or finding ways to connect with fans more, it’s all about elevating what we do.”