F1 News: Former Formula One Driver Confirms Racing Retirement
Giedo Van der Garde, once a familiar figure in Formula One, has announced his departure from professional racing at 38 years old. Van der Garde's racing career concludes as he shifts his focus to his family and entrepreneurial endeavours.
Key Takeaways:
- End of Racing Days for Van der Garde: At the age of 38, Van der Garde has decided to hang up his racing gloves, closing a chapter filled with both promise and adversity.
- Career Overview in Formula One: Van der Garde's F1 journey, highlighted by his stint with Caterham in 2013 and legal tussles with Sauber in 2015, was a mix of modest triumphs and hurdles.
- Future Plans Beyond the Track: Post-retirement, Van der Garde aims to channel his energy into his family life, business ventures, and his role as a Formula 1 analyst for Viaplay.
World Endurance Championship Press Image
Van der Garde's path in Formula One was a rollercoaster of events, starting with his induction into the McLaren Young Drivers Programme in 2006. His early career was clouded by a contractual conflict involving Super Aguri and Spyker F1 in 2007. His tenure as a test and reserve driver for various teams and his season with Caterham in 2013 were the pinnacles of his Formula One journey. However, his ambition to return to F1 in 2015 was upended by a widely-publicised legal skirmish with Sauber, leading to an out-of-court settlement.
Reflecting on his career, Van der Garde expressed a sense of fulfillment and appreciation, especially for the support from his family and mentors:
“I have had the privilege of following my passion since childhood,” he stated.
"It was a fantastic time. I became world champion twice and was able to fulfill my dream – to reach Formula 1."
Aside from his time in Formula One, the Dutch driver also competed in the IMSA SportsCar Championship for TDS Racing and the World Endurance Championship for Racing Team Nederland in the LMP2 class.
Stepping away from racing, Van der Garde is now looking forward to dedicating more time to his family, including his wife Denise and their three children, and expanding his role in the business world. His future endeavours will also include a continued presence in Formula One, but this time as an analyst for Viaplay, offering insights based on his rich experience in the sport.