From Rugby Truck Stop to the Heart of F1: My Adventure with Team Hungary to Belgium

When my co-driver Jon and I embarked on our journey with F1 Team Hungary from Rugby to the Belgium Grand Prix, we had no idea what lay ahead. It all began in the early hours of the morning when we decided to hitch a lift off each other. With the anticipation building, we thought it would be wise to park at the truck stop the evening before our grand adventure.

Sleep-deprived but full of excitement,

we started our day with a hearty breakfast. After registering, having our licenses checked, and obtaining the all-important permission to drive letter, we boarded the sleeper coaches. It was my first time in one, and while the initial impression was impressive, trying to sleep while the coach was in motion proved to be quite challenging.

Our mission was clear: drive from Rugby to the Hungary Grand Prix with a double-man crew (Jon and me) and then return to Belgium for the next Grand Prix by boarding a coach back to the UK.

After a long and tiresome journey, we finally arrived at an outer services area near the race pitch in Hungary. Hours dragged on, and the food provided didn't quite hit the spot. So, Jon and I decided to embark on a KFC adventure. Meanwhile, Jon convinced some newfound friends to take a "short walk" to Budapest, which turned out to be anything but short. I, on the other hand, found myself hours later, crashed out in the grass area, utterly exhausted. Looking back, it was all in good fun.

Eventually, the coaches were relocated to the race area, and we were closer to being allocated a lorry for our journey. But before we could get some much-needed rest, we had to alight and board a few coaches. The next morning, we were finally given a lorry, but there was a catch—the trailer had serious issues and needed repairs in Germany. For us, this turned out to be a bonus, as it meant less driving time.

The driving experience, however, was something out of a dream. There I was, behind the wheel of a Williams race truck Scania tractor unit, cruising through the Hungarian borders. The scenery was awe-inspiring, with untouched forests and vibrant greenery that seemed a world away from what we knew in the UK. It made me realize just how fortunate I was to have this license and the opportunity to travel while getting paid.

I often heard fellow drivers complain about their pay, and truth be told, I had earned more doing Alcaline runs between Italy and Kent. But for me, this journey was about adventure, ticking off items on my bucket list, and cherishing the experiences that only this unique job could provide. This journey with F1 Team Hungary to Belgium was more than a job; it was a testament to the joy of travelling, and it's why I'm able to share this unforgettable tale today.