Beitske Visser once dreamed of reaching Formula 1. “That’s no longer in the cards,” says the 30-year-old driver. She shares how she’s doing these days. Both on and off the track, the speedy Frisian is busy with various racing adventures.
What does your season look like at the moment, Beitske?
“I’m doing a bit of everything this year, such as racing again on the Nürburgring and the Nordschleife. I’ve also just completed the first few races of the Toyota Cup in Spain. Additionally, I’m coaching a young driver in the Spanish Formula 4. It’s something different, but also very enjoyable.”
How closely are you following Formula 1 at the moment?
“Of course, we have our own races, but in between or when we don’t have to drive ourselves, you always see a phone somewhere in the paddock with a livestream on it. So, wherever I can, I follow it.”
How do you assess the F1 season so far?
“The competition at the front is close. That makes it very exciting to watch. The one who stands out to me the most is Oscar Piastri. To be honest, I think Lando Norris of the two McLaren drivers is slightly faster. But Piastri is more consistent, and the most consistent drivers often become champions. But then there’s also Max Verstappen, and who knows, maybe Lando will become more consistent. It’s definitely exciting.”
Do you follow any other classes?
“Absolutely, I often watch Formula E as well, where I know quite a few drivers. I also watch Formula 2, with Richard Verschoor, and Formula 3 with Laurens van Hoepen, another Dutchman. I enjoy IndyCar too, but the timings aren’t always ideal. Of course, I do watch the Indy 500.”
Speaking of Formula E: You tested in that class last winter. How was that?
“It was really cool. It would be great if I could test again and who knows what could be possible. In the meantime, of course, I have to perform. And I’ve done the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice, but it remains high on my bucket list. That goes for all the big events. I would also love to race in America.”
Are there opportunities for the coming season?
“There are always contacts, my manager knows almost all the teams. But a lot depends on various things, I obviously don’t have a budget. That has always been a challenge in my career. I have to hope that I get a chance somewhere. How realistic that is, I don’t know. I do my best in the cars I’m currently driving, train a lot and make sure I’m mentally and physically always prepared for the moment a chance comes. So that I can seize it with both hands.”
Speaking of budget: You finished second twice in the W Series. That class went financially under.
“That had a significant financial impact on me. Prize money can help you further in your career. I did get that money from my first season, but not from my second season. That makes a big difference. But well, those are things I unfortunately can’t change anymore.”
With a wealth of experience, you have something to offer, you could say you have many years ahead. How do you look at the future?
“Ten years ago, the goal was obviously Formula 1. That’s not the case anymore. There are plenty of other great classes, as I said. As long as I get the chance and as long as I can go fast, I’ll keep driving. I don’t have a deadline or age for myself to stop. I think that varies a lot from person to person. You see that Fernando Alonso is still racing in Formula 1 at the age of 43. And in endurance racing, you also see drivers who are a bit older and still going strong.”
