The next big career move: Niklas Krütten is switching from karting to Formula 4
Young German motor racing talent, Niklas Krütten, is joining Formula 4 after a very successful time in karting. He has already excelled in national and international kart series, producing excellent results, and will take the cockpit of one of the Pink Panthers prepared by BWT Mücke Motorsport next year to make his debut in a single-seater. The 15-year-old will contest a full season in both the German ADAC Formula 4 and in the Italian Formula 4 championship. Additional guest outings are also planned in the Formula 4 United Arab Emirates.
Up front ever since he was a wee laddie: The BWT Mücke Motorsport driver began his motor racing career in 2010. Krütten was just eight years old when he contested his first season in the KCT Mini Kart Cup. The first major success in his karting career came two years later with third place overall in the West German ADAC Kart Cup. Even in his early years, Krütten was impressive, displaying natural speed, fighting spirit and ambition. Many finishes in the Top Five and Top Ten in the German Kart Championship, the old-established Trofeo delle Industrie and in the CIK-FIA European and World Championships followed, and Krütten has made a name for himself as one of the top drivers in international karting over the years.
Talent factory: Having joined BWT Mücke Motorsport, Krütten is now with a top team that is well-known for its outstanding work with juniors. In former times, the much-admired Berlin-based racing outfit has supported motor racing greats including Sebastian Vettel, Pascal Wehrlein, Marco Wittmann and Lucas Auer, which is all very much to Krütten’s liking, as he is now one step nearer to achieving his ambition of moving into Formula 1 or the DTM.
Racing at Formula 1 circuits: Krütten will get his first taste of Formula 1 in February when, under the banner of Formula 4 United Arab Emirates, he makes his race debut for BWT Mücke Motorsport at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi where the Formula 1 season finale has been held for many years. Krütten will battle for points in the ADAC Formula 4 over seven race weekends at Oschersleben, the Lausitzring, the Red Bull Ring, Nürburgring, Sachsenring and in the season finale at the Hockenheimring. The BWT Mücke Motorsport drivers will contest a further seven race weekends in the Formula 4 Italian Championship at historic racetracks like Imola, Monza and Mugello.
Three questions for Niklas Krütten
You are now facing a major challenge with this switch from karting to the Formula 4. Are the nerves getting to you already?
Well, nerves not really, but I can hardly wait for the new season to start. I have now spent eight years in karting at the highest level and have been successful in a number of series, so the move up into Formula 4 is the next logical step for me. Many motor racing drivers enjoying success today in a huge variety of series moved up to join one of the junior formula series after karting.
You have already done some testing for BWT Mücke Motorsport. What were your first impressions?
I was amazed by the Formula 4 car’s power. It was my first time in a proper racing car, and the differences to a kart are, of course, huge. When you sit in the car, you feel really hemmed in, for sure, but you soon get used to it. There’s a lot to keep an eye on in a Formula 4 car. I first had to get used to the new situation I found myself in and slowly find my way. But I soon got into the swing of things in the last round of testing and was even faster than some of the more established Formula 4 drivers at times.
What goals have you set yourself for your rookie year?
First, I want to learn as much as possible, which is essential for any aspiring motor racing driver. Apart from that, my goal is to win the Rookie title in the German and Italian championships. I know it won’t be easy. At the same time, I’m certain that I’ve got the necessary speed, and my team is absolutely the best with top-class staff. I feel really honoured to be able to contest my first year in Formula 4 with a team like BWT Mücke Motorsport.