At the age of 17, Ben Nguyen, a young Vietnamese racing driver, made an unprecedented mark by finishing among the Top 16 Formula 4 drivers in the world at Yas Marina Circuit (Abu Dhabi)—one of the most advanced racetracks on the planet. From a technically curious student to Vietnam’s representative on the international F4 stage, Ben’s journey embodies the spirit of a new generation—breaking limits and conquering global standards.
From Go-Kart to F4: The Fast-Track Rise of a New-Generation Talent
Ben Nguyen only began karting in December 2024, yet his progression in motorsport has been remarkably rapid. As the second son of Sports Beauty Queen and PhD Nguyen Thu Huong, Ben demonstrated rare acceleration in development within a discipline that typically demands years of experience.
While most drivers require extensive time to master racecraft, Ben quickly claimed the Go-Kart International Cup 2024, laying a solid foundation for his transition to single-seater formula racing—a significant challenge for any Vietnamese driver.
In April 2025, Ben officially stepped into Formula 4 under the guidance of Alex Young, Malaysia’s first Formula 1 driver. From adapting to speeds nearly double those of karting to mastering aerodynamics, braking systems, and race strategy, Ben met technical demands that often take drivers several seasons to achieve.
Breakthrough at F4 Southeast Asia: A Podium That Opened the Global Door
Within the FIA pathway, Formula 4 represents the first step toward Formula 1. At the opening round of the F4 Southeast Asia Championship (F4 SEA), Ben delivered a major surprise by securing a P3 podium finish, outperforming competitors with one to two full seasons of experience.
This result positioned Ben as one of the two standout young drivers of the season, while also placing Vietnam on the regional motorsport map, traditionally dominated by established hubs such as Sepang (Malaysia) and Buriram (Thailand).
F4 Formula Trophy Abu Dhabi: Vietnam on the World F4 Stage
Following his success in F4 SEA, Ben was selected to compete in the F4 Formula Trophy Abu Dhabi 2025, a prestigious event held alongside the Formula 1 Grand Prix, where F3 and F2 teams scout emerging talent.
At Yas Marina Circuit, the race featured 28 drivers from 21 countries, with Ben as the sole representative of Vietnam. Displaying consistency, composure, and strong racecraft, he finished among the Top 16 Formula 4 drivers globally—a historic milestone for Vietnamese motorsport, which currently lacks a formal single-seater development system.
2026 Objectives: Education – Technology – Road to F1 Ambitions
Currently a Grade 12 student at an international school in Ho Chi Minh City, Ben balances his passion for speed with strong academic interests in:
Engineering & mechanics
Aerodynamics
Race car design and manufacturing
Creative and applied technology
For 2026, Ben’s objectives include:
Competing in Asian F4 championships
Expanding participation into global F4 series
Continuing to build experience along the FIA Road to F1
This is the same professional pathway followed by most current Formula 1 drivers—one that Ben is steadily pursuing with the support of his coaches and family.
Beyond Racing: Building the Future of Vietnamese Motorsport
Alongside competition, Ben and his family aspire to work with FIA Vietnam to:
Promote motorsport in a safe and professional manner
Develop long-term platforms for young talent
Inspire resilience, discipline, and a boundary-breaking mindset
Connect Vietnamese drivers with the global motorsport community
These efforts form a vital foundation for nurturing the next generation of Vietnamese racing drivers.
A New Chapter for Vietnamese Motorsport
From karting in late 2024 to competing on the global F4 stage in 2025, Ben Nguyen is writing a boundary-breaking story for Vietnam’s young generation. His achievements at F4 Southeast Asia and the F4 Formula Trophy Abu Dhabi clearly demonstrate that Vietnamese motorsport has the potential to reach international standards when talent is properly guided and supported.
Ben is not only a young driver—he represents a new generation: one that dares to dream, dares to break through, and dares to take a path no one has taken before.
