Ryan Rijvers: The Prodigy Who Is Redefining Racing History with VChamp

At just 12 years old, Ryan Rijvers is on the cusp of rewriting motorsport history. Widely recognized as one of the most gifted karting drivers of his generation, Rijvers’ meteoric rise from grassroots karting circuits to professional open-wheel racing has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Born with a passion for speed, Ryan first climbed into a kart at the age of six. What began as a hobby quickly revealed itself as something more—a natural talent for racing that stunned both his coaches and rivals. By the time he was nine, he was already winning regional championships, demonstrating an uncanny ability to read races, make bold overtakes, and maintain composure under pressure. His intuitive racecraft and relentless determination earned him the nickname “The Rocket.”

Over the next few years, Rijvers became a dominant force on the European karting scene. He claimed national titles across multiple classes, often racing against competitors several years older than him. By 11, he had collected an impressive portfolio of victories, including back-to-back international karting championships, cementing his status as one of the brightest young talents in motorsport.

But Ryan’s biggest leap is yet to come. In 2025, he will step into the VChamp electric racing series, a groundbreaking all-electric open-wheel category that has become a proving ground for future Formula stars. At just 12 years old, Rijvers will become the youngest professional open-wheel racer in history—a record that places him ahead of legends who first broke into single-seaters in their mid-to-late teens.

Unlike traditional FIA-sanctioned series, which restrict drivers under 15 from entering categories like Formula 4, VChamp has created its own independent structure. By sanctioning its own races, VChamp gives exceptional drivers like Ryan up to a three-year head start on their open-wheel careers. This means that by the time Rijvers becomes eligible for FIA competition, he will already have a wealth of professional experience, potentially arriving in F4—and beyond—with a maturity and racecraft advantage that few of his peers can match.

His debut in VChamp is more than just a milestone; it’s a glimpse into the future of racing. As motorsport transitions toward sustainability, Ryan represents a new generation—one that embraces electric innovation without sacrificing the purity of competition. Industry experts already compare his rise to that of drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, who themselves were once karting prodigies destined for greatness.

For Rijvers, however, the journey is only beginning. With the unwavering support of his family, a world-class development team behind him, and the resilience of a champion well beyond his years, he is set to inspire a new wave of young drivers worldwide.

When the lights go out on his VChamp debut, Ryan Rijvers won’t just be racing for a trophy—he’ll be racing into history.

For more information visit www.ryanrijvers.tv and www.vchamp.tv