When Kiwi racer Louis Sharp credits Disney’s Cars for paving his future, it’s no joke. The Christchurch teen grew up playing rugby and never even considered a career behind the wheel. But then he was introduced to Lightning McQueen.
“Lightning is 100% my hero and Cars is still my favourite movie!” Louis, 17, tells Woman’s Day from London, where he’s now chasing his Formula 1 dreams. “Watching those movies was what got me into motorsport.”
Louis was on the way home from rugby practice at age five when a go-karting track caught his eye. His dad Jason will never forget how he jumped into the kart, stepped down on the huge pedal extensions, then hit his first corner braking too hard and spinning.
“The smile on his face told the story!” laughs Jason.
Louis explains, “I could barely reach the pedals, but drove out to the pits. I thought, ‘This is the best thing I’ve done.’ I loved the speed and adrenaline. Straight away, I fell in love and became 100% focused on being a racing driver.”
While Kiwi racers like Scott Dixon, Scott McLaughlin and Liam Lawson are killing it on tracks overseas, Louis was constantly told F1 racing was “impossible” in New Zealand.
But with the help of Jason, mum Michelle and sister Isabella, he continued to pursue motorsport, secured sponsors and transitioned from go-karts to race cars at 12.
While competing in the F4 champs in Christchurch, Rodin Cars founder David Dicker noticed him. “He asked me, ‘What’s your dream?’ and I said, ‘To be an F1 champion!’”
Rodin invited Louis for a spin around its North Canterbury track. Following that, they offered to fund a move to London, so he could be closer to the European racing action. Leaving school, Louis and his dad-turned manager Jason now spend 11 months of the year in England, where Louis was born before the family moved to Aotearoa when he was two.
“Moving to the other side of the world at 14 was a big culture shock,” he admits. “Having family here helps, but being away from my mum, sister and friends has been the toughest part of all this.
“I miss the social side of school and have sacrificed things a typical teenager would do, but you can’t be an aspiring F1 driver and be in school.”
There have also been professional hurdles, like adjusting to the high calibre of competition abroad, a gruelling schedule – of racing, testing cars, travelling and gym sessions – and facing doubts over his age.
Recalls Louis, “When I started karting, people went, ‘You’re too young.’ Then when I moved into cars, they said, ‘You really shouldn’t be racing until you’re 16.’ But age is really just a number. If you’re good enough, you’re just good enough.”
Louis is also learning that mental wellbeing is crucial.
“Some drivers will be enjoying a good season, have one bad race and lose their head over it. It’s important to just stay focused,” he tells. “With motorsport, the highs are really high, but the lows are really low – and there’s more lows than highs.
“I came into F4 as the favourite, then went through a slump. I thought, ‘Just keep working hard and pushing.’”
Louis’ focus worked and he made history winning back-to-back titles with the 2023 British F4, then the 2024 GB3. “It made me appreciate what I’ve achieved and was such a high.”
He’s now preparing to kick off the 2025 F3 in March in Melbourne, where loved ones will attend, like sister Isabella, 19. Moving away from his “best friend” has been tough, but he’s always grateful for her unwavering support.
“Growing up, there was a lot of family focus on my racing. It could’ve been easy for her to feel neglected, but she’s never been jealous,” says Louis. “I call her daily for advice and she’s always just steering me in the right direction. She made me the guy I am today.”
Adds Isabella, “It was definitely hard when they left, considering how close our family is, but I can FaceTime them easily. Being someone he can talk to about things other than racing is really important. Even though we only see each other once a year, we’ve stayed connected and become great friends – rather than just brother and sister.”
Louis’ girlfriend Lilli Harvey, a professional bodybuilder, is another cheerleader. The two met at a racetrack where Lilli’s brother – also a racer named Louis – was competing.
“With her bodybuilding, she understands the sporting aspect of racing, and what it’s like travelling and competing around the world,” shares Louis. “I couldn’t ask for a better girlfriend.
“And my parents have sacrificed everything. They knew nothing at all about motorsport but understood it was my dream and put 110% into getting me here.”
It hasn’t been easy for mum Michelle, who struggled for months after Louis left and constantly worries about her son’s safety.
“The toughest thing was having my baby boy leave home at 14, knowing I’d only see him once a year,” says Michelle, CEO of Unicef NZ.
“I haven’t worked out whether I get more stressed watching him race in person or from the other side of the world, but the stress levels go through the roof regardless.
“It’s that weird combination of wanting him to do well but be safe. I look at photos of him go-karting at six and can’t believe I let him to do that!”
Louis says traits like being grounded and humble have helped him grow into professional motorsport. Kiwi mate and mentor Liam Lawson also made a difference.
“He’s been in my shoes, so knows what it’s like coming up through the motorsport ranks on the pathway to F1. He knows the sacrifices, so he’s someone I turn to for advice. The biggest thing he’s said is to focus on yourself and not worry about the other racers.”
Having just enjoyed a family reunion in England, Louis is now excited to get home for Christmas. His first stop? McDonald’s. “It’s not nearly as good here!”
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