Profile
The facts
Fabio Leimer
Date of birth: 17 April 1989
Place of birth: Rothrist, Aargau, Switzerland
Nationality: Swiss
Profession: Racing driver, reserve and development driver
Team: Manor Marussia F1 Team
Fabio Leimer is a Swiss racing driver who has achieved exceptional results in leading motorsport championships. His greatest highlight so far is winning the GP2 title in 2013. GP2 sits one step below Formula One, with races at Formula One circuits during Grand Prix weekends, making it an ideal stage for young talent. Fabio demonstrated his ability with three wins and seven podium finishes on his way to the title.
That work and success paid off. His talent was recognised and he became reserve and development driver for the Manor Marussia F1 Team, driving the Marussia MR03B during Friday practice at the Hungarian Grand Prix. He describes sitting in a Formula One car as incredible, while remaining determined to become a race driver. His first run in Budapest was a positive experience: he immediately began learning and understanding the car. He and his management are also working hard on the financial side of reaching his goal.
Talking with Fabio
How does Formula One differ from other categories?
As you move up through the categories, the cars produce more downforce. You have to learn how each car behaves to keep going faster. Formula One is the highest category, but it is about more than driving: media duties also make a race weekend very busy.
What were your impressions of the car in Hungary?
It was my first time in this newer Formula One car, so my comparisons are limited. The car rides the kerbs very smoothly. Power steering makes turning in easy, and the speed and acceleration on the straights are extraordinary.
You were quick in the practice session.
I was surprised, because I had not driven a really fast car since the end of 2014. It was positive to be quite close to my team-mate, and faster at one stage. There is still plenty I can improve.
What does the third driver do?
If one of the race drivers cannot take part, the third driver steps in. He also helps the team. In Budapest, the team wanted my feedback to compare with the other drivers. I attend all the meetings and am part of the family.
Switzerland has a long motorsport tradition.
There have been some very strong Swiss drivers, especially during the past ten years. I do not know exactly why, but it is positive and makes me happy.
Fondue or Toblerone?
I used to dislike fondue as a child, but now I enjoy it, although I prefer raclette. I like chocolate too, but do not eat much of it for obvious reasons.
What would you do if you were not a racing driver?
There has only ever been motorsport for me, so that is what I have focused on.
Career statistics
- 2014 FIA World Endurance Championship LMP1
- 2015 FIA Formula E Virgin Racing Formula E team
- 2015 FIA Formula 1 reserve & development driver Manor Marussia F1 team
- 2014 FIA Formula E reserve driver Amlin Aguri
- 2014 Pirelli F1 test with Lotus F1 Team
- 2013 International GP2-Series – overall champion
- 2012 International GP2-Series – numerous podium finishes | 7th
- 2011 Young Driver Test for Sauber F1 Team | 74 laps | 417 km
- 2011 GP2 race weekend Abu Dhabi – overall champion
- 2011 International GP2-Series – 14th
- 2011 International GP2-Asia-Series – 5th
- 2010 International GP2-Series – first win
- 2010 International GP2-Asia-Series
- 2009 International Formula Masters Series – European champion
- 2008 International Formula Masters Series – European championship 2nd
- 2007 Formula Renault – European Cup und Italian Championship
- 2006 Formula BMW – 4th in the rookie category
- 2006 Kart – 6th European championship – Cat. ICA
- 2005 Kart – Swiss championship – Cat. ICA
- 2004 Kart – Swiss championship – Cat. ICA Junior – Swiss champion
- 2003 Kart – Swiss championship – Cat. ICA Junior – Swiss champion
- 2002 Kart – Swiss championship – Cat. ICA Junior – 2nd
- 2000 Entry to kart sport
