Kids Encouraged to Challenge Lewis Hamilton

Kids probably don’t stand a chance against the current Formula One World Champion, but they are welcomed to at least try and challenge him, just for the fun of it. As long as they are over 12 years old and taller than 1.5m, kids may begin to hope for a place in the Top 100 challengers who will compete in the Grand Finale on September 2 against Lewis Hamilton.

The competition is called the Summer Driving Challenge and takes place at Mercedes-Benz World, in Weybridge, UK.

With the purchase of a 30 minute summer driving challenge session for £40, which includes free family entry to the Grand Finale, kids can get behind the wheel of a dual-controlled Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse, under the supervision of resident Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy coaches.

Some challenges are timed and others are awarded points for accuracy, both of which convert into an overall score.

"“We are delighted to be welcoming Lewis back to Mercedes-Benz World and feel the Summer Driving Challenge is a great opportunity for youngsters, and parents, to get behind the wheel and have fun whilst experiencing every day driving situations in a safe and controlled environment," said Rob East, Driving Academy Operations Manger at Mercedes-Benz World, in a statement for the press. "Striving for a place to rival the time set by Lewis gives a great incentive for accuracy as well. Clipped kerbs and fallen cones will cost precious points,” he added.

On September 2, Lewis will spend the afternoon with the participants, followed by the competition in which the Top 100 challengers will try and beat the score set by Lewis himself.

Kids will work in teams, as there will be twelve challenges to complete, including a 20 metre car push, a blindfolded test drive, a box packing exercise and a wheel change challenge against the clock. Members of the winning team will each receive tickets to Brands Hatch for the UK round of the DTM German Touring Car Championship.