Formula One dreams for champion go-kart driver Benito Montalbano

Prospect  schoolboy ­Benito Montalbano has ­already driven his way to six go-kart titles in four different states, and is in the midst of a campaign to snare his first national championship.

Benito Montalbano, 13, is a talented go-kart driver from Prospect.Benito Montalbano

Prospect  schoolboy ­Benito Montalbano has ­already driven his way to six go-kart titles in four different states, and is in the midst of a campaign to snare his first national championship.

But his ambitions lie way beyond that — all the way to the Formula One circuit.

“Being a racing car driver is the only thing I have ever wanted to do, and I don’t think that will be changing,” said the 13-year-old.

“I’ve got the hunger to go all the way to the big time.”

Engine trouble hampered Benito in Dubbo in the first round of the national titles in the KA4 junior class for 12-15-year-olds.

But he led the race at one stage and knows he is competitive, so his hopes are high for the second stage of the five-round championship at Seymour in Victoria at Easter.

A national title is the only crown to elude him so far.

He has won two state titles in NSW, two in Tasmania, one in Victoria and one in Queensland, as well as other major races such as the City of Melbourne event, the Junior Sprint Classic and the Race of Stars.

He was hooked when his dad Mick took him to a track at age six.

He got a go-kart for his seventh birthday and has been racing since, mostly against older drivers.

“If you are good enough you should be able to mix it with the best,” he said.

Benito is grateful for the support he has had from his parents, and says mum Michelle gets “quite scared” by his choice of a dangerous sport.

“But she is behind me 24/7 and cheers me all the way,” he said.

Benito Montalbano hopes to one day race in Formula One.

“Dad always has a little boy in the back of his head but he has faith in my ability and he knows I know how to steer clear of dangerous situations.

“I haven’t had a bad crash yet, and I’m going to keep it that way.”

Benito’s aim is to keep ­improving and eventually go to Europe and compete on the world stage.

“I hope I can get picked up by someone and become a Formula One driver,” he said. “That would be truly amazing, a dream come true.”