Billy was born on 5^th May 1999 in Charlwood, Surrey, where he lived with his mother, father and sister Bonny. Known by the nickname ‘Billy Whizz’, Billy Monger is a successful Formula 3 racing driver.

When did Billy begin racing?

Billy’s father first bought him a go-kart when Billy was just 3 years old. He loved it. At the age of 6, Billy began taking part in competitive go-kart races against other children. By the age of 10, he had won the Super One British Karting Championship, becoming the British Champion.

Between 2009 and 2016, Billy progressed in karting, racing against the best drivers in Europe. At the age of 16, Billy moved out of karting and into single-seater car racing in the British F4 Championship. In his first season, he took three podium finishes; his success continued.

Billy's Accident

• At the age of 17, everything changed.

• A high-speed car accident during one of his races left Billy with life-changing injuries.

• When Billy woke up in hospital after his accident, he found that his injuries were so bad that he needed to have both of his legs amputated.

How do you think Billy might have felt when he woke up in a hospital?

Simple things became a challenge for Billy. Changes had to be made in Billy’s house so that he could move around in his wheelchair. Billy had to learn to walk again using new prosthetic legs. Despite these difficulties, Billy kept a positive attitude. Even when he was in the hospital, he was happy, smiley and able to laugh and joke.

The Road to His Return

At the time, disabled drivers were banned from racing single-seater cars. Billy set out to try and get this rule changed. In December 2017, just 8 months after his accident, he travelled to Paris to visit the FIA (the governing body of motorsport). There was a review into whether it would be safe for him to race. Following the review, the FIA agreed to change the rules. This change was not only for Billy but would allow all disabled drivers the chance to compete.

Billy's Achievements

Billy now drives a specially designed car, where all of the controls are on the steering wheel. This allows him to drive using only his hands.

In 2018, just 11 months after the accident that changed his life, Billy was back behind the wheel taking part in a competitive race. Amazingly, he came in third position and was able to stand on the podium yet again.

Through endurance and determination, Billy has achieved his dream of being back behind the wheel of a racing car.