At just 15 years old, Alp Aksoy already knows exactly where he wants to go. Born in Istanbul and raised between Turkey, Dubai and some of the world's most competitive karting championships, the young Prema Racing driver is tackling his first season in the Italian F4 Championship with a clear objective: winning. Alp Aksoy spoke to ACI Sport TV at Vallelunga during the second round of the Italian Formula 4 Championship, having already taken the lead of the drivers' standings after the opening event of the season. During the interview, the young Turkish talent reflected on his journey through motorsport, retracing the path that took him from his first experiences in karting to his arrival in single-seater racing.
“I started when I was five years old,” he explains. “At first it was just a hobby. I simply enjoyed racing and having fun, with no professional goals in mind. Then the results started coming, and things became much more serious.”
His journey in motorsport actually began even earlier. His first experience behind the wheel came at four and a half years old in a rental kart, a memory he still recalls vividly.
“I remember it very well. It was an amazing feeling. I loved it straight away.”
After taking his first steps in Turkey, Aksoy moved with his family to Dubai, where he continued developing as a driver before progressing to the highly competitive WSK championships. He remained there until making the jump to single-seaters. His first Formula 4 experience came at the end of 2025 and immediately left a strong impression.
“It was a race I won by a big margin. It was a fantastic experience.”
Today, nearly every aspect of his life revolves around racing. Between school, training, simulator sessions and constant travel, free time is a rare luxury.
“I probably take more than sixty flights a year between races, testing, physical preparation and simulator work. I've never counted them exactly, but it's a lot.”
Such a demanding schedule requires discipline and organization.
When he is in Istanbul, he attends school as normally as possible, while during race weekends and testing periods he follows private lessons to keep up with his studies.
Even away from the track, Aksoy rarely stands still. Basketball, running, cycling and swimming fill much of his spare time. “You always have to keep pushing”.
The 2026 season represents perhaps the biggest challenge of his young career so far. The Italian F4 Championship is widely regarded as one of the most competitive junior categories in the world, with many drivers already possessing several years of experience in the car.
“For me it's the first year, while some of the others are in their third season. We're leading the championship after the opening round, which is encouraging. We still need to improve a few things in qualifying, but the work is paying off.”
One of the biggest challenges comes from learning new circuits. Many of the tracks on the calendar are unfamiliar to him, making simulator preparation a crucial part of his routine.
“The simulator is extremely important. I use it as much as possible to arrive prepared for race weekends.”
When it comes to favourite tracks, Aksoy doesn't hesitate. Among the circuits on the Italian F4 calendar, Imola stands at the top of his list. Looking beyond the championship, however, there is one venue that captures his imagination more than any other.
“Spa-Francorchamps, because of Eau Rouge. I've driven it both in the simulator and in real life, and in real life it's absolutely crazy. It's one of the most incredible corners in motorsport.”
Despite his young age, Aksoy is quick to acknowledge the people who have played the biggest role in his development.
“My family, my coaches and my management team have helped me the most. Without them, I wouldn't be here.”
Alongside racing, he still tries to maintain a balance and spend time with friends whenever he returns home to Istanbul. Recovery is also a priority.
“Sleep is very important. I try not to stay up too late.”
Behind the results, however, lies a level of commitment that many fans never see. In fact, it may be the thing that would surprise people most about him.
“I spend four or five hours a day on the simulator. Sometimes, when preparing for a race weekend, I can spend more than nine hours there. It's a fundamental part of what we do.”
Asked about his sporting idol, Aksoy reveals an answer that says a lot about his passion for the sport. As a child, he admired Lewis Hamilton, but as he grew older he became fascinated by Michael Schumacher's career.
“I've watched practically all of his races. Today, Schumacher is definitely my biggest idol.”
And his ultimate dream? The answer comes instantly.
“Formula 1.”
For now, the focus remains firmly on the Italian F4 Championship. Aksoy currently sits at the top of the standings and is determined to stay there until the end of the season. But listening to him speak, with the determination of someone who has already turned a childhood passion into a daily mission, it is hard not to think that this may be only the beginning of a much longer journey.
Aksoy's rookie season is therefore living up to expectations. The young Turkish driver retained the championship lead after the second round, despite strong pressure from his rivals and, in particular, from Luka Sammalisto of R-ace GP, who claimed three victories during the Vallelunga weekend.
Now, however, one of the most important challenges of the season lies ahead: the third round of the Italian F4 Championship at Monza. The ACI Racing Weekend on 20-21 June will bring the series' protagonists to the historic Temple of Speed, a crucial test that could play a key role in shaping the championship battle. For Aksoy, it will be another opportunity to defend his position at the top of the standings and confirm the impressive form he has shown throughout his rookie campaign so far.