Ferdinand Habsburg made his European Le Mans Series debut last month in Barcelona at the wheel of the n°24 Algarve Pro Racing Oreca 07.
As an Austrian driver, he will be racing at home next week for the 4 Hours of the Red Bull Ring and we had a quick chat with Ferdinand to get to know him better.
Who are you? Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career so far.
My name is Ferdinand Habsburg, I have been a racing driver for 12 years, three years professionally. I work best when I follow all my interests.
What are your first impressions of the ELMS after the first race in Spain?
After one round in the European Le Mans Series, it’s clear it provides exciting racing. It’s extremely competitive and enjoyable to compete in the ELMS, and I’m looking forward to racing on home soil at the Red Bull Ring.
Can you tell us about your project Drive Fast, Act Faster and Green Future project?
Mine and Algarve Pro Racing’s ‘Drive Fast, Act Faster’ campaign has been launched to encourage the motorsport community to embrace more sustainable ways of working, and also provide a chance for teams and drivers to help expand a rainforest reserve in Ecuador that has one of the highest biodiversity in the world. When I was racing in the Asian Le Mans Series this winter with Algarve Pro Racing, I quickly realised that Stewart and Samantha Cox share the same values as I do and that they would like to make changes in the way the team operates to reduce their impact on the environment. This realisation led me to Green Future Project, a platform that champions change-makers, bridging individuals and businesses to the most effective climate solutions.
What are the actions that you have implemented in your team in accordance with this project?
A lot of logistical changes in the way the car is transported have reduced the mileage of the trucks dramatically. We have eradicated single-use plastics and set up recycling bins in the garage and in hospitality.
You will be racing at home, at the Red Bull Ring. How well do you know the track and how do you think it is suited to the Oreca 07?
I believe the Algarve Pro Racing ORECA 07 should work well at the Red Bull Ring, and I really can't wait to have a home race again.
What is your favourite corner at the Red Bull Ring and why?
The second to last corner at the Red Bull Ring, as it's all about confidence and it’s very high-speed. It’s extremely exciting.
