Vitaly Petrov

Vitaly Aleksandrovich Petrov, born on September 8, 1984, is a Russian racing driver who holds the distinction of being the first Russian to compete in Formula One. Known as the "Vyborg Rocket" in his home country, Petrov began his racing journey relatively late, at age 14, focusing initially on ice racing and rally sprints rather than karting. He quickly rose through the ranks, dominating the Russian Lada Cup in his early years.

Petrov's international career gained momentum in the Euroseries 3000, where he finished third in 2006. He then transitioned to the GP2 Series, showcasing his talent with Campos Racing. In 2010, he achieved his dream of racing in Formula One, securing a seat with Renault alongside Robert Kubica. During his time in F1, he raced for Renault, Lotus, and Caterham, amassing 57 starts. A memorable moment was his podium finish at the 2011 Australian Grand Prix, marking the first time a Russian driver stood on the F1 podium.

After his Formula One career, Petrov ventured into the German DTM series in 2014 and later competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship with SMP Racing, achieving a third-place finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2019. Beyond racing, Petrov has also made appearances in film, showcasing his diverse interests.