AN IRVINE teenager has dedicated his maiden Formula 1 Esports Pro Exhibition victory to his family for all their “sacrifices” over the years.

Lucas Blakeley, 18, who drives for the BWT Racing Point F1 Esports team, claimed his first race win in the series at the iconic Monaco track.

The former Greenwood Academy pupil qualified fourth on the grid but a brilliant strategy call to make a pit-stop at the end of the opening lap saw Lucas take the lead.

He then fended off a strong challenge from the chasing pack behind to win on the streets of Monte Carlo.

He said: “The minute I crossed the line I just screamed at the top of my lungs because I could not believe that it all came together because it was such a stressful race and there was a lot of pressure.

“It makes it more satisfying winning for the first time at

Monaco as it is just as hard as people say.

“You need to concentrate very hard not to make a small mistake and you get so close to the barriers every lap.

“It’s difficult not to put it in the wall.

“I have never had to concentrate as hard as that in my entire life.”

Lucas, who started racing in go-karts from a young age, praised his family for all their help.

He said: “The win wasn’t just a reward for me but it was also amazing for my family to see that all the long hours they have worked, all the early rises we had go-karting and all the sacrifices they have made for me have ultimately been worth it.”

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