Brendon Leigh and Thomas Ronhaar on the new F1 Sim Racing Season

A new F1 Sim Racing Championship always brings anticipation and excitement, not least for Brendon Leigh and Thomas Ronhaar: the two KICK F1 Sim Racing Team drivers share the goal of leaving their mark in the fiercely competitive arena. In the run-up to the opening event of the season, we sat down with the talented pair, delving into their preparations, insights, and ambitions for the season ahead.

Brendon Leigh: Grounded and Goal-Oriented

Brendon Leigh, a two-time Formula One Sim Racing World Champion, remains humble about his past achievements. “I’m obviously proud of what I’ve accomplished, but I prefer to stay grounded,” he shares. For Brendon, it’s all about the future: “It’s your future accomplishments that really mean something.”

His off-season was anything but idle. Running has become both a passion and a mental preparation tool for the British driver. “I was running two to three half marathons a week and even completed a 50k ultra marathon. It’s my way to connect with nature and myself,” he reveals. This commitment underscores his “no stone unturned” approach to mental preparation, allowing him to face challenges with a clear and disciplined mind.

Brendon’s focus this season is on refining his qualifying performance. “Having Thomas as a teammate, who’s arguably the quickest over a lap, is a fantastic benchmark,” he says. By improving his grid positions, he aims to maximise his strengths in race scenarios. The 25-year-old recently announced his retirement from sim racing at the end of the current season, aiming to close a successful career on a high.

Thomas Ronhaar: Youthful Determination

At just 19, Thomas Ronhaar brings youthful energy and determination to KICK F1 Sim Racing Team. Having started his sim racing journey in 2019 while balancing school and karting, Thomas rapidly rose to prominence. “Karting has helped me with sim racing by bringing in elements from real-life experiences,” he explains. “At the same time, sim racing has taught me things that translate back to karting.”

Thomas’ off-season blended relaxation and preparation. “I enjoyed a break between Spain and Austria, but I also returned to karting, which I still love,” he shares. Adapting to the new game each year poses its own challenge, but he’s determined to master it quickly. “Consistency at the top is key. It’s extremely tough, but I thrive under pressure.”

Mental and Physical Edge

For both drivers, mental sharpness is as crucial as physical preparation. “You need to be disciplined in every aspect,” says Brendon. “A single bad day can ripple through your training and impact an entire event.”

Thomas echoes this, stressing on the importance of mental strength: “The mental discipline to handle back-to-back races and intense training is vital for staying competitive.”

Ambitions and Rivalries

Both drivers have clear ambitions for the season that has just begun. Brendon openly aims for a third world championship and a constructors’ title with the team. Meanwhile, Thomas is focused on consistent top performances and sees competing alongside Brendon as a privilege. “He’s always calm and collected, which pushes me to be my best,” Thomas notes.

The competition, both from seasoned veterans and eager newcomers, keeps the field unpredictable. Brendon’s strategy involves adapting to different drivers’ styles: “You can pressure rookies differently, but at the end of the day, respect on and off the track is essential.”

A Message to the Fans

Thomas and Brendon are united in their goal to deliver excitement to fans. “I hope to provide entertainment and aim for the championship,” says Thomas. Brendon adds with a smile, “Fans can expect better qualifying performances, feisty on-track battles, and me never eating a Bounty bar!”

As the lights go out on the new season, the synergy between these two drivers and their shared pursuit of excellence promise a thrilling season ahead for F1 Sim Racing enthusiasts.