Boy, 8, dreams of Formula 1 glory after third open-heart surgery

Daniel's favourite Formula 1 driver is Lewis Hamilton

An eight-year-old boy is dreaming of Formula 1 glory months after undergoing his third open-heart surgery.

Daniel Stangerean, from Leicestershire, is now on track to join the best go-karting team in the UK, according to his dad Krisztian Pintea.

He was forced to take a four-month break from racing due to his operation, which took place in September.

Daniel is now determined to follow in the footsteps of seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Less than a week after his birth, Daniel was rushed to hospital because his skin had turned yellow.

His parents were told he had a hole in his heart and his main artery was too small.

"At this point, we knew our lives had changed forever," Mr Pintea said.

'I love racing'

His first procedure, at Birmingham Children's Hospital, fixed the narrowing in the main body artery, and a second operation at six months old closed the hole.

At age five, Daniel found a passion for go-karting and eventually joined the UK Independent Kart Racing series.

Daniel took second place, and he was invited to a trophy event at Silverstone, home of the British Grand Prix.

"Go-karting makes me really happy and I love racing against other kids," Daniel said.

Daniel's dad says there is "a huge cost" to professional racing

He was fifth in the UK in his class when the news came that Daniel needed a third surgery, as the lung valve that was used to fix his artery was now too small and needed replacing.

"[Daniel] was devastated he could no longer race as he was doing so well," Mr Pintea said.

Daniel's racing career took a four-month pause, but Mr Pintea said he remained "determined" and was on track to join the RCE Race Team.

He also "dreams" of participating in the SuperOne series, following in the steps of Hamilton and fellow F1 driver George Russell.

Dr Chetan Mehta, Daniel's consultant cardiologist, added: "Daniel has been a brave boy and wants to accomplish his dreams. His cardiac condition doesn't hold him back."