I / AM competition winners Heleen and Viktor joined us trackside at the British Grand Prix for an unforgettable experience.
Among the hundreds of thousands to descend on Silverstone for the British Grand Prix at the weekend were two special guests.
Ahead of the race weekend, we ran a competition for an I / AM member and their guest to join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience trackside, with flights and accommodation included, and Dutch friends Heleen and Viktor were the lucky pair.
Joining us in the garage, the Silverstone paddock, and Paddock Club, as well as heading out onto the track for some ultra-fast Hot Laps, this was a British Grand Prix experience that will live long in their memories.
During the weekend, they explained what they'd been up to in more detail, and their highlights of the trip:
A THRILLING START
"I received an email from Aston Martin Aramco telling me I'd won and I thought, 'Is this real?' says Heleen, reflecting on the moment she found out she would be joining the team at Silverstone. "I couldn't believe it. I immediately contacted Viktor to ask if he wanted to come with me.
"We were picked up from Heathrow and driven to our hotel where we changed quickly before heading straight to Silverstone Circuit where we were taken for Hot Laps in an Aston Martin Vantage. It was an incredible way to start our experience!"
"I've never done anything like the Hot Lap," says Viktor. "The only way I can describe it is it's like a rollercoaster ride but there are no rails for you to ride on. You just sit in the car next to the driver who's pushing like hell."
"We were pushing the limit in one of the world's fastest road cars and at one of the most famous Grand Prix circuits in the world. I'll never forget that thrill."
Fired up
After a pulsating start to their four-day experience with our team, Heleen and Viktor were soon enjoying a behind-the-scenes tour around the paddock and our garage.
"Aston Martin Aramco Team Ambassador and former F1 driver Pedro de la Rosa guided us on the tour," said Viktor. "He's a really nice guy and super knowledgeable; we learnt loads. He was really relaxed on the tour and took the time to explain things and answer our questions. When he explained how the steering wheel works, we couldn't believe how many buttons and settings that are available to the driver."
"We also got to put headsets on and listen to the radio messages between the engineers during a session in the garage," revealed Heleen. "It was amazing seeing the garage so active, it really does buzz, and it was a real privilege just to watch such focused and talented people at work.
"The moment the team fired up the car in the garage is a moment that will stay with us forever. We'd never heard anything like it, having never been to a Grand Prix before.
"People say F1 cars are not as loud as they used to be, but it was the best sound ever; I didn't expect it to be that loud and I was just smiling from ear to ear. What a moment!
"It's hard to believe that we've been in the F1 paddock, in amongst all the drivers and teams," said Viktor. "It still hasn't completely sunk in, the level of access we enjoyed to Aston Martin Aramco and the sport through I / AM was unbelievable. This experience will stay with us forever."
A DREAM COME TRUE
From going behind the velvet curtain in the paddock and meeting members of the Aston Martin Aramco driver squad to experiencing the sumptuous surroundings of the Formula One Paddock Club and watching the Grand Prix from the grandstands, I / AM supercharged their first ever Grand Prix.
"Meeting Fernando was a dream come true," said Heleen. "We had a photo with him and a chat and it was just surreal. He's been one of my favourite drivers for such a long time. To actually meet him and say hello was fantastic.
"I can't thank Aston Martin Aramco and its I / AM programme enough for this opportunity. It's exceeded my wildest dreams and it's just great to be a part of the community and have a chance to enjoy these experiences."
LIFTING THE VELVET CURTAIN
Heleen and Viktor share their British Grand Prix experience from inside the Silverstone paddock.
For your chance to enjoy an unforgettable I / AM experience like Heleen and Viktor, make sure you're an I / AM member. It's free and gives you unparalleled access to the team, including behind-the-scenes insights and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
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