Not many people can say they’ve driven either a Formula 4 race car or an X1 Hyper Racer. However, South Australian driver Tom Sclanders has done both.

Coming from a background in high-level football and professional track athletics, Tom has always thrived on speed, precision, and pushing the limits. 

We sat down with the South Australian to discuss the key differences between the FIA Formula 4 and the Hyper Racer X1.

Late last year, Sclanders was given the opportunity to be part of the F4 Academy Program, testing in a first-generation Mygale Formula 4 car with AGI Sport at Sydney Motorsport Park. Despite his previous experience, the F4 was his first taste of what it was like to drive an open-wheeled race car.

More recently, Sclanders has also been behind the wheel of the Hyper Racer X1 with Summons Racing. Whilst both cars are designed for pure speed, precision, and performance, Sclanders says, “The way they drive couldn’t be more different.

Daniel Loechel: So Tom, what made you make the switch from professional track athletics to motor racing?

Tom Sclanders: “I have always had a love for motorsport, but I was unable to pursue it early in life due to my other sporting commitments. I guess I’m just really drawn to the unique challenges each race car presents—the way they accelerate, handle, and demand absolute commitment from the driver.”

Sclanders explains that one of the first things he noticed between the Hyper Racer and the F4 was the difference in power delivery and acceleration.

Daniel Lochel: Now that you have spent time in both F4 & Hyper Racer, What are some of the Key differences between the two?

Tom Sclanders: “The F4 car has decent power, but it’s reasonably controlled and predictable. It delivers enough speed to push you to your limits, but with a smooth delivery that allows you to build speed with a sense of control.”
‘Whereas the Hyper Racer feels like an absolute rocket.
The Hayabusa engine delivers a serious punch, and the acceleration is relentless. The X1’s engine revs incredibly high and feels much more aggressive than the more linear powerband of the F4. The X1’s lighter weight, combined with its power, means it has a much better power-to-weight ratio compared to the more measured output of the F4.”

The Formula 4 spec car has been widely regarded as an excellent platform for developing drivers, helping them make the step up into single-seater racing as they progress towards Formula 1.

Daniel Loechel: Tom, Both of these cars are regarded as a great step up from Formula Ford. However, the aerodynamics package on each car is significantly different. From a driver’s perspective, how different is the handling?

Tom Sclanders: “While they are both open-wheel race cars, their design and handling make them significantly different.”

“The F4 car feels very refined in terms of handling. It has a well-balanced chassis that responds well to inputs. The downforce is effective but not overwhelming, and you can feel the mechanical grip working with you. I’d say the F4 is a little more forgiving, with a setup that encourages a smoother driving style and more controlled weight transfer.”

“The X1, on the other hand, is raw. It’s incredibly responsive and demands more from the driver. It sort of feels a bit more like an ultra-high-performance race kart in the way it reacts. The X1 is lighter and more agile, making it feel more alive in the corners. It responds instantly to steering inputs, and because of its power, it requires more throttle control to keep the rear from stepping out.”

Sclanders further elaborated on how each car’s aerodynamics affect cornering ability. Explaining how The X1’s aero package is aggressive and generates a lot of downforce, allowing for more extreme cornering speeds. However, because the car is so light, at lower speeds, it relies much more on mechanical grip.

Daniel Loechel: When you’re out on track attacking corners, how does each car react with its respective aerodynamics?

Tom Sclanders: “The F4 has decent aerodynamics, but it’s not extreme. You feel some downforce, but the mechanical grip plays a big role in how it corners.

“With the X1, it is glued to the track at high speeds. Once you trust the aero, you can carry an insane amount of speed through fast corners—it almost feels like you’re defying physics. It really takes a few laps for your brain to comprehend.”

Daniel Loechel: With all the downforce, power, and speed in these cars, I imagine the braking is significant. How do the brakes compare?

Tom Sclanders: “The brakes are significant in both cars.”

“In the F4, the braking is extremely solid. It has a more traditional formula-style brake pedal, making it physically tougher to access full pressure consistently. You need to apply immense pressure on the brake pedal to slow the car down—it’s a full-body effort to brake effectively.”

“With the X1 being so light, it stops incredibly well but requires more finesse to keep it balanced. It’s so quick that you need to be more calculated with braking. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to overbrake and upset the balance of the car. With the high-revving nature of the engine, downshifting also requires more precision to keep everything balanced.”

Summarizing his experience, Sclanders describes each car’s distinct personality.

“The F4 is a great machine—sharp, refined, and built for a smooth driving style. It rewards precision and control.”
“The X1 is an adrenaline rush. It’s brutally fast, agile, and demands commitment. If you respect it, it rewards you.”

You can Follow Tom’s Motorsport Journey via his social media platforms:

TikTok @TomsclandersRacing

Instagram @Tom_Sclanders