Newly appointed McLaren development driver Harry Hayek believes his next chapter in motor sport will provide him with a new lease of life.
The 21-year-old was recently selected to represent the manufacturer for the 2020 British GT Championship after impressing during the McLaren Driver Development Program held earlier this year.
Taking place at England’s Snetterton circuit, 18 drivers from around the world took part in an intense two-day testing period where they simulated a race weekend, completed data analysis and telemetry and underwent fitness and media testing.
One of four drivers to be selected, Hayek will now enjoy a fully-funded season behind the wheel of the Tolman Motorsport run McLaren 570S GT4 in 2020.
“It’s hard to put into words really. I just have to keep pinching myself. It feels like a dream. It’s an amazing opportunity and one like no other,” Hayek said.
“It’s so good McLaren are getting behind young drivers. It is a development program so they are looking for the next batch of drivers to progress through the McLaren ranks.”
“On a personal reflection, I was pleased with my efforts. Even if I didn’t make it, it wouldn’t have been from a lack of effort as I pushed myself through all barriers.”
“It all feels so surreal. I am so grateful with this opportunity because it’s allowing me to live my dream.”
There is more to Hayek’s selection than being just a talented all round performer, with the New South Welshman having faced some serious obstacles during what was a very tough period in his career and life.
Just a few years ago, Hayek’s motor sport career was on the rise and the Australian held his own in the 2016 British Formula 4 Championship, before progressing into the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship the following year.
It was in this championship where Hayek broke his back after a serious crash, which put him on the sidelines for months and left him with a long road to recovery.
Despite eventually making the return to motor sport in the Kumho V8 Touring Cars last year, Hayek again suffered another setback, which saw his career halted once again, only this time it was a bad case of kidney disease.
But once again, Hayek recovered and in 2019, he was able to have an uninterrupted recovery, making it to rounds in the CAMS PAYCE Australian Formula 4 Championship and the Toyota 86 Racing Series before identifying GT racing as his next step.
Now, after his first official outing at the same track where he broke his back more than two years ago, McLaren has given Hayek the chance to resurrect his career.
“It’s been very testing because the last few years of my career have been put on hold and I have been in the crossroads due to those major setbacks,” Hayek explained.
“In the last six months I have been in full remission trying to get back into motor sport, but it’s very hard because once you lose momentum the funding dries up and it’s hard to progress.
“Up until about three months ago, it was looking pretty dire for my career until this opportunity came about. It just goes to show that you never know what is around the corner.”
Through adversity, Hayek finds himself right back on the pathway and is ready to give it his all.
“To be associated with such a prestigious team like McLaren, not have to worry about coming up with funds and to be paid as well is a dream,” Hayek added.
“I’m still in shock. I can’t believe it. I am so lucky and so happy to be in this position. I can really make a career now. That’s all I have ever wanted - to be a professional driver.
“To think, just three months ago I may never have raced again and then to have this life changing experience is incredible. I just can’t wait and I am going to work my backside off for it.
“I can’t thank enough my family, friends and the Doctors that have surrounded and supported me to get to this stage. Not only in Australia but the UK as well. I definitely couldn’t have got here on my own.
“Being selected for McLaren is not just the highlight of my career, it’s the highlight of my life.”
The seven-round British GT Championship begins at Oulton Park on 11-13 April, 2020.