Alex Sawer (centre) celebrates with his team after securing the 2025 F4 South East Asia Championship title, proudly holding the Vietnamese flag at Sepang International Circuit. - Photo from FaceBook

Xuân Đăng

HCM CITY — At just 17 years old, Alex Sawer is fast emerging as Việt Nam’s brightest motorsport prospect, carving a path from karting tracks in HCM City to podiums across Asia and Europe. His recent triumph in the 2025 Formula 4 South East Asia (F4 SEA) Championship marked not only a personal milestone but also a landmark for Vietnamese motorsport.

Born in 2008 to a Vietnamese mother and an English father, Sawer has been immersed in the world of speed since childhood. He first took the wheel at ten, drawn by the thrill of overtaking and the rush of acceleration. What began as a pastime soon turned into an all-consuming pursuit.

“At first, I just loved the thrill of going fast. But over time I realised the sport demands courage, focus and real skill. My father was the biggest influence, introducing me to Formula racing and encouraging me every step of the way,” he told Việt Nam News & Law.

Sawer's karting years provided the essential foundation. “Kart is the base of everything in Formula racing. If you want to go far, you must climb higher levels where the cars are faster, the techniques tougher, and the competition much more intense,” he explained. With determination, he began stepping into international competitions.

In 2023, Sawer debuted in the F4 Indian Championship with Hyderabad Blackbirds, finishing fifth overall with one victory, 12 top-five finishes and 186 points – an impressive result in his first full season abroad.

The following year, competing in a partial season of the F4 Chinese Championship, he stunned rivals with two victories, a pole position and a fastest lap, finishing seventh overall despite only six race starts.

His progression did not stop there. In 2024, he became the first Vietnamese driver to contest the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA), racing on ten iconic European circuits. While results were modest, with a best finish of 18th in Barcelona, his entry into such a competitive series was a breakthrough for Việt Nam. Earlier this year, he also scored Việt Nam’s first point in the Formula Regional Middle East Championship, finishing 12th in Lusail.

Vietnamese driver Alex Sawer poses with his trophy alongside a supporter after clinching the 2025 F4 South East Asia Championship drivers’ title in Malaysia. - Photo from FaceBook

This steady rise set the stage for a landmark season in F4 SEA 2025. Racing with Evans GP, Sawer dominated across rounds in Sepang, Buriram and Bangsaen, securing seven wins, four pole positions and five fastest laps. With three races to spare, he clinched the title, lifting the Vietnamese flag on the podium – a moment he described as unforgettable.

“It was happiness and pride. It was not just for me but for everyone who supported me, and for Vietnamese motorsport. I hope this inspires more young people and helps the sport gain recognition back home,” he said.

Comparing his experiences, Sawer noted key differences between competing in China and Southeast Asia. “In China, many drivers are experienced and well-trained, so the competition is very tough. In F4 SEA, the challenge is racing across different countries. You must stay consistent and adapt quickly to new circuits, weather and rival strategies,” he said.

Discipline and focus, he stressed, are at the heart of success. “On the track, even one second of distraction can cost you a position. I practise deep breathing and visualisation before races."

"Once in the car, I block out everything and focus only on each lap,” he explained. For him, concentration outweighs speed or tactics. “If you are focused, you can keep your speed and make the right decisions. A driver must also stay humble and persistent through challenges.”

His adaptability has also extended to GT racing. In 2025, he made his debut in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia, becoming the youngest competitor in the championship. Driving the 620hp Huracán Super Trofeo EVO II, he finished fourth at Inje Speedium, impressing with his ability to handle high-powered machinery.

Family support has been crucial to his progress. His father not only introduced him to the sport but continues to guide him, while his mother provides a steady foundation. “My parents are the biggest support, emotionally and practically. They help with training, logistics and expenses. Without them, I could not be here,” he said.

With the F4 SEA title secured, Sawer is already setting his sights higher. “This proves I can compete and win internationally. It gives me belief to aim for F3, F2 and maybe F1 one day. But I know it will not be easy. I must take each step carefully and keep learning,” he said.

His short-term goal is to move into Formula 3, while also exploring GT categories such as GT3. “In five years, I want to be in higher-level FIA series, gaining more experience and proving myself. The ultimate dream remains Formula 1, but I know it requires patience, discipline and determination.”

He draws inspiration from many stars. “I admire Hamilton, Leclerc, and also Asian drivers who have broken through internationally. But my favourite is Verstappen. I once met him in person, and since then I’ve followed him closely. His decisive and aggressive style inspires me, though I want to build my own racing identity,” he said.

For aspiring Vietnamese drivers, his message is clear. “Start with karting – it is the foundation. Train hard, maintain discipline, and prepare to overcome difficulties, because this sport is tough and expensive. But if you have real passion, stay persistent. Every obstacle will make you stronger.”

From early laps in local karting circuits to victories across Asia, Sawer’s trajectory represents not just the rise of a talented teenager, but also the aspirations of Vietnamese motorsport as it seeks its place on the global stage. His journey is proof that with determination, discipline and the right support, Việt Nam can dream of producing drivers who compete at the very top. VNS