Macedonian racing driver Stefan Treneski started his full season in F4 CEZ championship. In the first race his started from 20th position and finished 10th. Quite an achievement for the first race!
He began his journey at the age of 13 in simracing. In 2024, he won Formula Star competition, which earned him a full season in Twingo Cup. At the beginning of 2025, at the age of 17, he won the Formula 4 CEZ Academy, which gave him an opportunity to debut in Formula 4 CEZ later that year on Slovakiaring and earned him a scholarship for season 2026.
We bring you this exclusive interview from the perspective and promising macedonian racing star!
AR: How old are you and where were you born?
ST: I am Stefan Treneski, I am 18 years old and I was born in Skopje, Macedonia
Since when have you been involved in motorsports?
I have been actively involved in motorsports for several years, and I started professionally through SIM Racing before moving on to real racing.
How did you start, with SIM Racing? How many years have you been doing SIM Racing?
Yes, my journey started with Sim Racing. I did it for a few years and through the simulators I learned a lot about racing lines, driving technique and data analysis
What successes have you achieved with SIM Racing?
I have performed at a high level in Sim Racing and have had the opportunity to drive for teams like Brabham Esports. I have achieved good results in international championships and this has helped me to stand out as a driver.
How did you get involved in F4 CEZ? Can you describe the path, how that transition went, what you went through and what you drove?
I got involved in F4 CEZ through winning the F4 CEZ Academy and Formula Star programs. The transition was not easy — I went from a simulator to a real car, worked on physical preparation, adaptation to real tracks and testing. Before F4, I also drove the Twingo Cup, which helped me gradually gain experience in real races
What was it like when you first sat in a car instead of a simulator?
The feeling when I sat in a real car for the first time was incredible. You can learn a lot in a simulator, but when you feel the real speed, vibrations and G-forces, you realize how different real motorsport is.
What is the difference between a simulator and a real car?
The biggest difference is the physical aspect. In a simulator there are no real G-forces, no cockpit temperature, no vibrations and no risk. In a real car you have to be much more physically and mentally prepared
What was the hardest thing for you to get used to in the car?
The hardest thing for me was getting used to the G-acceleration and braking. The body has to adapt, especially the neck and concentration in long sessions
Is there a difference in driving technique between a simulator and a car?
Yes, there is a difference in driving technique. In a simulator you can be more aggressive because there are no real consequences, while in a car you have to feel the tires, the weight and the balance of the car much better.
How do you set up the set-up in the simulator and how do you set it up in the car?
In the simulator, I usually do the set-up myself by analyzing telemetry and driving feel. In the car, I work together with the engineers and mechanics, because every small change greatly affects the behavior of the car.
What is your driving style – do you prefer understeer or oversteer?
My driving style is more oriented towards a slightly oversteer car, because it allows me to rotate better in corners and make more aggressive entry.
Do you mind the G-acceleration on the real track in the curve because it doesn’t really exist in the simulation?
At first the G-acceleration was a big difference, but over time your body gets used to it. It’s something you can’t fully feel in a simulator
How did the collaboration with Brabham Esports come about? How do you train with them, what did you learn most from these sessions?
The collaboration with Brabham Esports came about through my results in SIM Racing. With them I worked on a professional approach, driving analysis, discipline and preparation for competitions. I learned the most about the importance of consistency and detailed analysis of each lap. And through them I came into contact with David Brabham who is currently my mentor and I am part of the Brabham driver development program.
In what areas have you made the most progress since you first sat in an F4 car to the first race of the season?
I have made the most progress in adapting to a real car, managing the tyres and being consistent in the race. I have also made a lot of progress physically and mentally
How do you manage to organize all your commitments, do you have enough sponsors?
The organization is difficult because I also have school obligations, training and travel. Sponsors are very important in motor sports and I always work on providing additional support for career advancement.
Can you describe the first race of the season? You started 19th and finished 10th, 4 seconds behind. How do you comment on the race?
The first race of the season was very important for me. I started 19th and finished 10th, just a few seconds behind. We had the speed to be in the top 5 but unfortunately we had very little practice before qualifying.
What do you plan to improve to progress towards the top of the table?
To progress towards the top of the table, I am mainly working on qualifying pace, consistency and a better understanding of the tyres and set-up.
What differences do you notice compared to others before you?
The differences with the drivers before me are mostly in experience and because they drive more championships and a lot of testing before and after each race
How do you prepare the car? Who does the set-up for you?
We prepare the car together with the engineers and the team. I give feedback from the drive, and then we work on the set-up to find the best balance
Do you have any special rituals before the race?
My ritual is listening to music because it relaxes me.
What are your plans for the future? My plans for the future are to continue to progress in international motor sport, to fight for titles and one day reach F1 or top GT or touring car championships like DTM.
Adria Racing: Good luck Stefan in your racing career!
| Surname | Stefan |
| Name | Treneski |
| Age | 18 |
| Category | Formula 4 |
| Championship | CEZ |
| Class | – |
| Chassis | Tatuus F4 T-421 |
| Engine | Abarth 1.4 Turbo |
| Tyres | Pirelli DMA 13″ |
| Helmet | Bell RS7 PRO |
| Club | JMT Racing Engineering |
| Best achievement | F4 CEZ Academy win |
| Sponsors | Elixir Parfimerii |
| Social Media | #stefantreneski |
All photos by Stefan Treneski
Trending Now
