A MINI Lewis Hamilton who has taken to karting “like a duck to water” scooped a championship trophy just one year after he first got behind the wheel.

Boy racer Bobby Chapman, 11, began his love affair with the sport last year, after his parents took him to Anglia Indoor Karting as a birthday treat.

The staff noticed Bobby’s skill in the kart and he was invited to join their cadet club.

The whizz kid was soon putting in 19 second laps.

Before long the Manningtree High School pupil was invited to take part in the club’s indoor championship, going to take first place.

When his supportive family learned of the prestigious junior championship at Rye House Karting, Bobby jumped at the chance to compete.

The Rye House Kart Raceway, in Hertfordshire, is the country’s foremost karting centre.

It was where Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton began his career.

Bobby went on to win the championship across nine races, clinching first place in four.

He is now set to get behind the wheel of the Precision Racing junior TKM kart, which can travel at speeds of 70mph.

He said: “I am so excited about winning the championship and I am so looking forward to getting and learning different tracks next season.

“I have so much to learn, hopefully I might get the chance to follow in Lewis Hamilton’s footsteps.”

Mum Victoria said: “Sometimes I shut my eyes as he goes so fast, but he handles it all in such a grown up way.”