Ugo Ugochukwu: My Ultimate Driver

Ugo Ugochukwu is the latest member of the 2025 grid that we have tasked with building the perfect racing driver and after some deliberation, the PREMA Racing rookie delivered.

A mix of multiple time Formula 1 Champions and race winners make up Ugochukwu’s perfect driver, and the McLaren Driver Development Programme member also builds his perfect team at the end.

INTELLIGENCE

“It's a hard question actually. I have no idea. I think Fernando Alonso is a pretty good option to be fair. He always finds those little things that make you so much better on track.”

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DRIVING IN THE WET

“Recently Max Verstappen, he's been a wet weather hero. That race in Brazil, you can see it there, he was just really really quick.”

QUALIFYING

“I'll go with Charles Leclerc. To be fair, his pole to win ratio is not the best, but there are a lot of times when I have watched Qualifying sessions where you think he is the underdog, and then on the last lap he is able to pull out a really good lap.”

CORNERING

“The best driver. I'll go with Lewis Hamilton. I think he can just make the difference. It's what separates the greats from the good guys, when the pressure is on, they can make the difference and that's what you need to win Championships.”

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TYRE MANAGEMENT

“I might go with Hamilton again. We've seen a few races where he comes on the radio and says his tyres are fine and he can keep on going and you wonder how is that possible.”

SMOOTHEST

“I usually like an aggressive driving style. I say that but I have a smooth driving style, so I am contradicting myself. I guess it depends on the moment, both can work, especially on a quali lap.

“You see some drivers that are fighting the car a lot more, some are a lot smoother, so I think both can work. I'd have to say Lewis again. I see some of his quali laps and everything looks really under control, while being on the limit.”

OVERTAKING

“Nothing is coming to my mind. I have no clue. I'll go with myself. I did a pretty good move last weekend, so why not.”

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WOULD YOU ADD ANYTHING ELSE?

“I'd say Daniel Ricciardo. The vibe he brings is cool. He always has a smile on his face, so I think it's cool.”

BUILD YOUR IDEAL TEAM

TEAM PRINCIPAL: “Zak Brown.”

DRIVERS: “I'll pick myself and then I'd pick Lewis Hamilton. An experienced guy, you can learn from him and then the younger driver.”

CAR: “The 2020 Mercedes. Everyone sees the onboard and the car was so quick, just to experience the G-Forces and stuff would be so crazy.”