Bas Leinders

Bas Leinders, born on July 16, 1975, is a retired Belgian racing driver with a diverse and successful career spanning various motorsport disciplines. Leinders began his racing journey in karting, quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with by winning his very first race. At the age of 14, he secured the European Championship, demonstrating his early talent against notable competitors. Progressing through the ranks, Leinders transitioned to single-seaters, where he clinched titles in Benelux Formula Ford, British Formula Ford, and European Formula Opel, showcasing his adaptability and skill across different racing formulas. His success in Formula 3 led to him winning the German Formula Three Championship in 1998.

In 2004, Leinders achieved a significant milestone by becoming a Formula One test and reserve driver for the Minardi team. During this period, he participated in Friday practice sessions at several Grand Prix weekends, gaining valuable experience at the highest level of motorsport. After his stint in Formula 1, Leinders shifted his focus to GT racing, competing in the FIA GT Championship, FIA GT1 World Championship, and Blancpain Endurance Series. From 2011 to 2014, he served as the team principal for Marc VDS Racing, even leading them to victory at the 24 Hours of Spa in 2015.

Post-retirement from full-time driving, Leinders remained active in the motorsport world. He took on the role of sporting manager for McLaren GT in 2016 and later joined Optimum Motorsport in 2018. Furthermore, he has contributed to Formula One broadcasts as a color analyst for Telenet's Play Sports, sharing his expertise and insights with viewers. Leinders' career exemplifies a blend of driving talent and leadership qualities, making him a respected figure in the racing community.