16-year-old Freddie Bartlett blew everyone away at the MXGB opening round at Hawkstone Park by qualifying in tenth position in the MX1 class as a Rookie on a 450 ahead of experienced riders such as Brad Todd, Bobby Bruce, Dan Thornhill, Ben Edwards and Jamie Carpenter, showing it was no fluke by backing it up with two excellent 14th’s in the Motos for 13th overall.
Feature Image courtesy of TPMX Media
On a brutal and heavy Hawkstone circuit to make his 450 debut in this way makes him one to watch in the MX1 class, so we fired over some questions to him about he felt about his transition to the bigger bike and why he chose to compete in the stacked MX1 class in 2026…
Dirt Hub: Hey Freddie, first up, congrats on a great first round at Hawkstone… You are only sixteen, but you have moved up to a 450 already and into the MX1 class. What was the reason behind that?
Freddie: Thanks a lot. The reason behind that is because it would be way too costly to race the 250 class, as you need to put a lot of money into them to get a competitive bike…
DH: How different was it riding against the 450’s at Hawkstone?
Freddie: It was good. It was nice to finally have the power I have needed… suits my style a lot more on a 450 and much better racing. I felt like I was getting pushed around a little more in the 450s at the beginning of the race, but also a lot more respect.
DH: Did it feel strange being a sixteen-year-old and lining up alongside some of the sports veterans?
Freddie: I enjoy a challenge… I feel like I am where I should be for a 16-year-old, as there aren’t many 16-year-olds that would be able to race in MX1…
DH: You showed fantastic speed in qualifying. Did that surprise you, or based on your pre-season, were you expecting this?
Freddie: I know I have the speed, but yeah, I’ve been riding in a frozen environment all winter, so it was nice to have some warmth and grip.
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DH: Hawkstone was brutal, so to get the results you did on your 450 debut was really impressive. Did you feel you had the stamina at the end of the motos, or did you find it tough?
Freddie: I felt like my strength was there at the end of the motos as I don’t get arm pump and I’m very fortunate to not get it…(yet). But yeah, I know I’m strong after all the gym work I do.
DH: Preston Docks is coming up, and you will be on the line with Jeffrey Herlings. How much are you looking forward to that?
Freddie: Yeah, it will be cool to race against him as I’ve always looked up to him.
Freddie: Probably Landrake as it is my home round as I grew up in Cornwall and have my family there… Also, I love the track and the effort the Congdons put in.
DH: What are your expectations for the year? Do you have some championship goals?
Freddie: I don’t put expectations on myself as I will always go out and do my best. By the book, I should be in the 125 class, so no stress to get where I want to be.
DH: Is your plan to continue into the future on a 450, or, being so young, do you feel you might drop down in future seasons?
Freddie: If I could get a ride on a fast 250, I would have a think about it, but I feel exceptionally good on the 450!
DH: Are you riding as a privateer or are you part of a team?
Freddie: Full privateer on a second-hand bike lol
DH: You have raced in Sweden, as I understand you have dual nationality. Will you be racing there again?
Freddie: Yeah, I have dual citizenship, but my plan is to stay in the UK from now on.
DH: What other plans do you have for the year?
Freddie: Just get as much racing in as possible, get as much experience in the MX1 class, and hopefully get some help for next year
