Britain's new Grand Prix hero Lewis Hamilton will need to keep an eye on his rear view mirror - a Sussex schoolboy is closing in fast.

Ardingly College student Max Chilton will become the youngest driver in Formula 3 history on Sunday when he makes his debut in the competition a day after he turns 16.

Max hopes it will be one more step in his quest to emulate 22-year-old Hamilton, who this month became the first driver in history to record three podium finishes in his first three Formula 1 Grand Prix races.

GCSE student Max has spent seven years sharpening his skills in karting and T Cars championships, junior racing competitions and dreams of one day making it to Formula 1 himself. When he starts the race at Donington Park race track in Leicestershire, he will take the official youngest Formula 3 driver record from Nelson Piquet Junior.

He said: "I'm getting very excited about the race but I'm a bit nervous as well. I've got a lot of experience but it's a big step up for me. I'll be younger than everyone else. Hopefully I'll be able to hold my own."

Max, who cites Hamilton and Ayrton Senna as his heroes, made a strong impression in T Cars last year, finishing second in the championship. He has been quickly moved on by his manager. Many drivers move from Formula 3 to Formula 1.

He said: "This is a great chance for me. I know it's a tough challenge but I've put in plenty of practice and I'm ready for it. My pace is improving all the time. Now I've got to work on my physical strength."

Max's parents Nadine and Grahame Chilton, from Horley, will be cheering him on just as they have done every time his fledgling career has taken him across Europe.

The championship will take place at tracks across Britain and in Italy, Belgium and Romania. Mrs Chilton said: "It is an expensive hobby. We're at races 32 weekends of the year but it's something he's really good at so it's worthwhile."

Max's older brother Tom, 22, has begun to reap the benefits of learning racing skills in his teenage years. He is a now a professional driver racing in the British Touring Car Championship for the Vauxhall team.

Max will have some catching up to do after missing the first two rounds of the Formula 3 championship because he was too young but he is hopeful of a top ten finish.

He knows he will have the support of his teachers and fellow pupils at Ardingly College.

Headteacher John Franklin said: "We have seen Max improve in talent and increase in confidence during his time at the school and to see him on the verge of a professional racing career is very exciting indeed.

"We will all be watching his progress with interest in the coming months."

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