Half-time champion Joey Mawson: Up for any challenge

• Mawson hot favourite to lift ADAC Formula 4 title
• Australian aims to make a career out of his passion

Munich: Twelve races, five wins, ‘half-time’ champion – Things are going according to plan for Joey Mawson in his second ADAC Formula 4 season. The 20-year-old Australian from Dutch team Van Amersfoort Racing will take a lead of 20 points on Mick Schumacher (17, Germany, Prema Powerteam) and 77 on Kim-Luis Schramm (18, Germany, US Racing) into the second half of the season. Joey Mawson intends to pile on the pressure at the very next meeting at the Red Bull Ring (22nd – 24th July). The young Aussie talks in interview about the season, his goals and his life in Europe, far from home down under.

Joey, it would appear that the battle for the championship is between you and Mick Schumacher. How do you see things?
Joey Mawson: “My goal is always to achieve the best possible result and to finish in front of everyone else. But it’s great and exciting for the series that this rivalry has developed between us. At the moment, it looks like we’re the main championship contenders. I’m looking forward to the next few races.”

The pair of you raced with Van Amersfoort last year. Are you still good friends?
Joey Mawson: “Yes, of course we’re still friends. But we both know that this much is true, as soon as we put on our helmets, we’re fighting for our teams and for ourselves. It’s what we all do, but we get down to business when we have to.”

Then you must be full of fresh confidence when you line up, as things went perfectly for you last time out at the race weekend in Oschersleben.
Joey Mawson: “I actually had two wins in a single meeting that weekend, so I can be very satisfied. I like to remember the positives.”

What went through your mind when you retired during the third race after an accident and your rival Mick was still in the running?
Joey Mawson: “I felt annoyed for the most part and disappointed with myself after my accident.”

How will you spend the break between the races in Oschersleben and the upcoming race weekend in Austria?
Joey Mawson: “I’ll do some testing and spend some time in the simulator. My schedule is actually pretty full – but that’s the way I like it. I’m going to spend a long weekend with friends by the lake, but not too long, because there are tests and work on the simulator to do.”

What do you think of the Red Bull Ring, and how would you describe the circuit?
Joey Mawson: “I like the track. It’s where I secured my first win in the ADAC Formula 4. New tarmac has been laid this year. The kerbs have also been slightly modified, so I think that lap times will be up on 2015. It’s a great track – the best on the calendar, in my opinion, along with Hockenheim. There will certainly be some exciting battles.”

Looking into the future. What plans do you have?
Joey Mawson: “I hope that we have the budget to move into Formula 3. I’m very happy in my team and would like to race in the next class up with them. But obviously, I have to get good results first, and then we’ll see where things lead. I’m up for any challenge.”

You first got started on two wheels in motor sport. Are you so up for a challenge that you would consider a move back to motorbikes?
Joey Mawson: “No, that’s a bridge too far. It’s been too long.” (Laughs)

Sophia Flörsch has hopes of entering Formula 1 – what about you?
Joey Mawson: “Of course, I hope to, but my main goal is to earn money as a racing driver, to make a career out of my passion.”

You are Australian and have lived in Europe for several years now. Was making the move difficult?
Joey Mawson: “I came to Europe in November 2012. I’ve now settled in, but obviously, it doesn’t feel like home, of course not. But the distance is not all that great thanks to the Internet.”

How often are you in contact with Australia?
Joey Mawson: “I’m in constant contact with friends, family, and with my mum and dad. We never really get to see each other for any length of time, though, so it’s hard sometimes. But this is my fourth year, so it’s slowly becoming routine. It’ll get easier with time.”

How often does your family come to races?
Joey Mawson: “Well, of course, they don’t often get the chance in Europe. It’s a long flight, and besides, I don’t have much time to spend with them during the season. Still, it would be great if they were there to see me win the championship.”

How often do you travel home?
Joey Mawson: “I never fly home during the season, but I’ll be there in December. I plan to spend two and a half months in Australia. I hope it works out.”

Now tell us the truth: Do you miss Vegemite (an Australian spread)?
Joey Mawson: “My dad loves it, but fortunately, I’ve never been a big fan. Still, I can see why you Europeans might not like it.”

Where does your love of motor sport come from?
Joey Mawson: “My dad used to race motorbikes, but only as a hobby and not as a pro, and he introduced me to motor sport. I rode motorbikes first like him and then raced karts after that on a track belonging to one of his friends.”

Motor sport is your whole life – or have you got other irons in the fire?
Joey Mawson: “I’m not doing any studying at the moment. I’m certain that I can make it as a driver. At any rate, I intend to find a job in motor racing, because it’s what turns me on most.”

What do you have in mind? A job in a managerial position or as a mechanic?
Joey Mawson: “As a manager, most probably. I have two left hands, so I’d be pretty useless as a mechanic.” (laughs)