Mex Jansen made his racing debut in 2022 at just 16 years old at Circuit Zolder. While many of his peers were still karting, he stepped straight into a BMW 240i. He had never karted before.

“I didn’t do much karting when I was younger. I learned most of my skills through the simulator.”

That turned out not to be an exaggeration. In his very first qualifying session he immediately put the car on pole position.

“That moment was really important for the rest of my career.”

Now 19, Jansen competes in one of the higher classes of circuit racing. Looking back, even he finds it hard to believe how quickly things have developed.

“If you had told me five years ago that I’d be doing this now, I would have signed for it 10,000%.”

From the simulator to the circuit

Motorsport is expensive.

“It’s a shame that the sport isn’t accessible in that sense,” Jansen says.

That is one of the reasons why he started behind the simulator. According to him, sim racing can be a legitimate stepping stone into real-world motorsport.

“Those guys who come from sim racing and prove they’re mega fast there are often just as fast in a real car.”

His own transition came after meeting Gilles van Houtum, who advised him to get his racing licence following a test day.

“As a 15‑ or 16‑year‑old kid, you can’t really say no to that.”

But talent alone is not enough.

“I didn’t have any results to show,” he explains. Convincing sponsors is difficult without proof. That is why he is grateful for the support of Koopman Racing.

“I was lucky that people gave me their trust and supported me, both in kind and financially.”

Once that foundation was in place, he noticed a shift.

“People start coming to you instead of the other way around.”

Schoolbooks in one hand, steering wheel in the other

Alongside his racing career, Jansen studies Civil Engineering at HAN University of Applied Sciences in Arnhem.

“I’m a student and race car driver — actually, full-time race car driver and part-time student. At school you want good grades. In motorsport you want the best lap time or the win.”

The pressure is different, but the responsibility is the same. Managing both requires careful planning.

“Planning well and communicating clearly during group projects.”

His university helps where possible, occasionally rescheduling exams when races clash with deadlines.

Jansen often studies while travelling.

“On the plane or somewhere in the car — not in a race car of course, because I’m not very good at multitasking.”

During the busiest parts of the season he may miss one or two days of classes per week, which he makes up for during the winter months. That balance works, partly because he genuinely enjoys his studies.

“If you study subjects you like, you don’t have to put in that much effort.”

Scrolling, posting, performing

Social media plays an important role in modern motorsport, especially when it comes to sponsors.

“It’s the perfect tool to show sponsors what you’re doing and give them exposure.”

Jansen personally keeps fans and partners updated about his racing activities, although he admits that social media can be addictive.

“I’m a bit addicted to all social media.”

Negative comments occasionally appear as well.

“Sometimes you read things about yourself, but I don’t really care.”

Advice for the next generation of drivers

For aspiring drivers, Jansen’s advice is simple.

“Just go for it.”

He recommends starting with sim racing and building skills there first.

“I’d begin by training a lot on the simulator.”

Large budgets are not always necessary at the beginning, he adds.

“Even if it’s 500 euros, every little bit helps.”

At the same time, he emphasises that education should not be neglected.

“Make sure you finish your education.”

For those who are serious about pursuing racing, Jansen is also open to helping the next generation take their first steps.

“People can contact me through social media.”