Growing up Down Under: Christian Mansell on his hometown

There's no doubt Christian Mansell is eagerly anticipating Round 2 of the 2023 Formula 3 season, as he prepares to race on home soil this weekend in Australia.

Taking us on a trip around his hometown, the Campos Racing driver details all the best bits about hailing from Down Under from the glorious sunshine and the all around good vibes.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?

“I grew up in Australia, specifically, Newcastle, New South Wales. Nice part actually - New South Wales. Good beaches, good restaurants, good place to live overall. It's grown quite a lot as a place since I've been away from it. But I go back every once in a while and I see things getting developed and it's quite cool. But yeah, I like it. At the moment, I live in London in the UK. It's quite central. Everyone speaks English, that was the realistic place to go. You get offered to go live in Spain or Italy, but it’s more enticing to stay in a place where people speak the same language.”

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE IT TO SOMEONE? “Sunny, warm, beachy, quite relaxing.”

WHAT LANGUAGES ARE SPOKEN THERE?

“The Queen’s English. Well, or Aussie English.”

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WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE?

“Usually sunny. All year round, it's usually quite nice, maybe like a highs of 35 in summer. It's hot though, very, very sticky. But in the winter it's probably 10 degrees, so it's not too bad. Although it’s winter, you still have the sun rolling around, so it’s nice.”

WHERE SHOULD TOURISTS VISIT?

“Beach. Merryweather beach. There’s a lot of little café’s, it’s busy but not crazy. There’s a nice vibe there, the water is pretty clean, clear. There’s always quite good views from the top of the baths, there's a few hills and stuff but it's usually very, very nice, and very warm.”

FAVOURITE PLACE TO GO FOR FOOD?

“I would say Merryweather Surf House. It's kind of cafe but, on the top floor, there's an Italian which is really good. Finnegans is also pretty good."

MOST IMPORTANTLY, WHERE CAN WE GO KARTING?

About half an hour away, Cameron Park, that’s actually where I started karting. From memory, it’s very bumpy. Quite, fast, very very flowing - every corner has a purpose. If you set up, Turn 1, you'll get a good Turn 2. If you set up Turn 3, you’re good for Turn 4. I have a soft spot for that track.”