Kristina Horlova: My Driver Card Story

As part of Fan Appreciation 2024, we’ve reached out to some of our most engaged fans to find out why they follow Williams Racing.

Fans have been invited to share with us their Driver Card designs on social media. We’ve reached out to some of those that have and they have been so generous with their time, sharing their stories with us.

We feel it’s right that the wider motorsport world should get to hear them as well, so welcome to the “My Driver Card Story” series.

Next up to tell their story is Kristina Horlova from Ukraine…

First and foremost, it is a big honour for me to be chosen as one of the Williams fans who has an opportunity to share the story of their fandom - thank you!

My story of supporting Williams started with James Vowles joining the team. For quite some time I've been following his career. I was a big fan of his intelligence, bravery, and ability to make bold decisions. It was always obvious to me that eventually, James would become one of the most important people in Formula 1.

When Williams Racing announced JV as the new Team Principal, I was so happy and excited for him, there were no questions from me - I knew immediately I would follow James and his new team on their journey.

And it was the best choice because being a Williams fan has brought me so much joy, so many positive emotions, and of course, an opportunity to meet some absolutely amazing people whom I am happy to call my friends now!

It was so great to share with the team and the Williams fan base so many amazing moments during this time: celebrating seventh place in the 2023 WCC, voting for the special Gulf Oil livery, and yes, oh my! I still can't believe that the team made such an incredible present to its fans and put our names on the FW45 in Abu Dhabi last year. I will never forget that moment and that feeling of being a part of the Williams Racing family.

The picture of our names on the car posted on the team’s Instagram inspired me to take my own little journey. It led me to my favourite memory of being a Williams fan so far - meeting James Vowles at the Fan Zone in Barcelona.

After spending so much time on social media, telling people left and right about how much I admire James, it was time to say that to him personally. A big thank you to the team members who were so kind and made it happen!

Even though I was so nervous and scared (and awkward) it still was such an awesome moment. James is the kindest, nicest person ever! (He also has a great sense of humour!) And yes, I got James’ autograph on that very picture from Instagram, I had it printed out.

I really like to collect badges on the Williams app. Last year I somehow missed the “Alex's points in Italy” badge and I am still thinking about it. I also always make Gulf strategy predictions, even though I am bad at those! Reading analysis from journalists, the secret strategy guru's advice… all that can not help me!

I know that in the future, I will be looking at Williams' success and I will tell people “I was there when everything started, I know how hard they worked, and look at them now, they deserve all the good things that they have now!”