LIGHTS TO FLAG: Vitantonio Liuzzi on beating Michael Schumacher, Red Bull politics, and his new role in F1

Vitantonio Liuzzi raced in 80 Grands Prix for the likes of Red Bull, Toro Rosso and Force India, and now enforces the rules as a steward with the FIA. The Italian enjoyed a sparkling junior career, even taking on Michael Schumacher, but never did get that victory, nor a podium, in F1. Here’s his story...

Beating Schumacher at home

Growing up in the south of Italy, Liuzzi says he had “nothing related to motorsport” in his family. He wasn’t even following Formula 1 when, at the age of 10, a school friend took him go-karting. That set everything in motion, ultimately led to sponsorships and the hope that he could turn karting into a fully fledged racing career.