AN ambitious schoolboy has stepped up a gear in pursuit of his Formula 1 racing dreams.

Max Winfield, 11 from Rodborough has secured support from Ecotricity to race in a national e-karting competition series. 

He's currently second place in F1's Rob Smedley's national electric karting series where he has already won two podium positions and has four races remaining.

Max, a year-six pupil at Westonbirt School, said: "My ambition is to race in Le Mans one day and become a Formula-e driver."

“If I keep training hard and keep believing in myself then maybe one day, I will achieve my dream.

“I feel I can do something special this year with my goal being to win the series and progress into the junior classes.

“I was inspired to race in the e-karting series as the racing is cleaner, much fairer and competitive with the e-karts giving you instant power with incredible torque. It’s really exciting."

“I feel very honoured to be sponsored by Ecotricity and fly the flag!" 

Max helped design his race suit and helmet with Angus Scott from Ecotricity’s graphic design team.

Stroud News and Journal: He’s competed at race circuits across the UK, including Thruxton circuit in Andover and Lydd Kart Circuit in Kent He’s competed at race circuits across the UK, including Thruxton circuit in Andover and Lydd Kart Circuit in Kent 

The powerful E-Karts are charged using an off grid energy charger, which allows the karts' two batteries to produce 5.5KW of power while reaching speeds of 50MPH.

Dale Vince, founder of Ecotricity, said: "As soon as I heard about Max and his electric karting endeavours, I wanted to get involved. 

“Switching to renewables and going green doesn't mean the end of racing sports - but a chance to do them another way." 

Westonbirt Prep School head Sean Price, said: “Max has been an incredible addition to the school. We hope he keeps up his driving where he has achieved so much success.’’ 

The Total Karting Zero series was founded by Formula 1’s Rob Smedley, who is passionate about bringing more fair, greener, and accessible racing to help develop young talented drivers.

Using an arrive and drive format in which all karts and engines are equal in performance, the national competition allows for a more level playing field saving families money on the vehicles and transportation.

Formula 1 previously announced ambitious plans in 2019 to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030. 

Max’s next big race is at Nigel Mansell raceway in Devon this weekend which is the third race in the national series.

You can follow Max’s progress throughout the series on Instagram @maxwinfieldracing