Q&A with Andrew Tang
Andrew Tang, Singapore’s very own motorsport prodigy, has made waves in the racing world, rising through the ranks from a humble go-kart track to global racing circuits. Recently, we sat down with Andrew during our professional photoshoot to learn more about his journey, his passion for racing, and his advice for aspiring young drivers in Singapore. Here’s a glimpse into the life of one of the most exciting talents in motorsport.
What inspired you to race?
Andrew: “My family, especially my dad, has always been a big fan of racing. I remember when we were young, we watched Formula 1 every single weekend. He was always so passionate about the sport. I started go-karting when I was 7 years old. He took me to a racing circuit in Singapore—it’s gone now, but back then it was the only one we had, just a little go-kart circuit. We went there, I did about 10 minutes, and I left with a helmet. That’s basically how I got started.”
Andrew’s journey was sparked by a deep-rooted passion passed down from his father, a true motorsport enthusiast. From those early days on the Singapore circuit, Andrew’s path to racing greatness was set.
Tell us about your journey from karting to becoming a professional race car driver.
Andrew: “Growing up in Singapore, racing culture was almost non-existent. My dad used to drive me to KL, Sepang every weekend—we’d leave at 5 a.m. and return late Sunday night. I’d sleep in the car, and he’d carry me to bed, even with school the next day. That’s how it all began for me. I did a lot of my practice in Malaysia, raced a lot there, and progressed throughout Asia—Thailand, Indonesia, and so on. Finally, I qualified for the World Final, which is a go-karting event where they choose one driver from each of the 72 countries. Seventy-two drivers race against each other at the World Final. I qualified for Singapore and placed as the top Asian that year.”
“We realized that in Asia we were very strong, but in Europe, I was in the middle of the pack. That’s when my dad and I discussed it and decided we needed to take the next step. So I moved to Europe when I was 15 to pursue a career in motorsport there. I got picked up by McLaren, and racing for McLaren changed everything. In a nutshell, that’s how I progressed from go-karting to becoming a professional race car driver.”
His performance there signalled a shift to the next phase of his career—racing in Europe and eventually being picked up by McLaren.
What was the most memorable race of your career?
Andrew: “The most memorable race of my career was in New Zealand. It was the last race of the championship, and I ended up finishing 3rd, getting on the podium. But it was enough to win me the championship, so that’s why it was so memorable. Being the first Asian to win a globally renowned event in New Zealand was amazing for me, so I’ll always remember that day.”
Andrew’s victory in New Zealand marked a turning point in his career. The triumph not only secured his place on the podium but also established him as the first Asian to win such a prestigious racing event.
What part of racing do you enjoy the most?
Andrew: “The part of racing I enjoy the most is the speed, but also the ability to control that speed. I’m a bit of a control freak, so it feels really nice. Nothing else compares to being in control of a machine going so fast—that’s definitely number one on my list.”
How do you handle the pressure and adrenaline that come with high-speed racing?
Andrew: “Dealing with adrenaline is something that comes naturally as you continue practicing and racing. At first, it comes very quickly, and you don’t have much time to think about it—it’s a bit overwhelming. But as you do it more often, just like anything else in life, you get more used to it, and you progress. Meditation is really helpful—it kind of slows everything down. It makes high speed a lot easier to deal with because everything feels slower, giving you more time to react and handle situations accordingly.”
Andrew’s approach to handling pressure reveals the mental discipline required to be successful in motorsport. He credits meditation for helping him maintain composure during high-stakes situations.
What advice would you give to young aspiring race car drivers from Singapore?
Andrew: “As a young kid, there’s a lot to learn. My advice to young aspiring drivers would be to always keep your ears and eyes open. You never know when you might learn something really valuable for your career. Always be listening and watching. And for sure, have fun with it. I think that’s the most important thing—you should always find joy in what you do.”
How do you feel about posing for professional photos? Do you have any tips on feeling comfortable in front of the camera, like at the shoot today?
Andrew: “Posing for photos has always been a bit uncomfortable for me—it doesn’t come naturally. But with practice, like anything you do, the more you do it, the more comfortable you get, and it becomes more palatable. I think it’s really important and helpful to have a good photographer who can guide you on what they want you to do and what ideas you want to achieve. From there, it makes it a lot easier to meet in the middle.”
Though initially hesitant about being in front of the camera, Andrew recently stepped into a different kind of spotlight when he chose White Room Studio for a professional photoshoot. Known for capturing personalities in a relaxed and natural setting, White Room Studio provided the perfect atmosphere for Andrew to get comfortable.
Initially, posing didn’t come naturally to Andrew, but our photographers made the experience enjoyable and seamless. At White Room Studio, we focus on creating an environment where clients feel at ease. Our team of photographers provided Andrew with clear direction, helping him pose with confidence and guiding him through each shot. As Andrew mentioned during his interview, having a skilled photographer who can communicate well is essential to feeling comfortable in front of the camera.
By the end of the session, Andrew had grown much more comfortable, finding that posing for professional photos wasn’t as daunting as it first seemed. Our studio’s relaxed atmosphere, combined with personalized guidance, helped him ease into the process, resulting in stunning shots that captured his authentic self.
Whether it’s capturing the intense focus of a professional athlete like Andrew or preserving precious moments for families, White Room Studio excels in making every shoot a memorable and enjoyable experience. With our dedication to detail and creating an inviting environment, even the most camera-shy individuals can feel confident and comfortable.
Andrew’s story is a testament to perseverance, dedication, and the unwavering support of family. From go-karting circuits to international tracks, he’s proven that with the right mindset and work ethic, the sky’s the limit for aspiring athletes in Singapore. His experience at White Room Studio further reflects the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone—whether on the track or in front of the camera.
Our 2400 square foot studio nestled in the heart of River Valley is more than just a room filled with equipment; it’s been a sanctuary of families, moments of joy, sorrow, and everything in between immortalized through the lens. With every shutter, it has not only frozen a moment in time but also etched emotions, stories, and aspirations into pixels.
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“From the moment I stepped into White Room Studio until the last shot was taken, I was thoroughly impressed with the team’s professionalism and dedication. They made the entire photo shoot experience seamless and enjoyable. The studio itself is spacious, well-equipped, and has a fantastic atmosphere. The final photos exceeded my expectations – they captured exactly what I envisioned and more. I highly recommend White Room Studio to anyone looking for an exceptional photo shoot experience. Thank you to the entire team for your outstanding work!“
– Wilson Tan
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