Henk Lategan opens up about his new life in Austria, the juggle of traveling with family, and the one thing he misses most about home (hint: it involves a fire and a grid). Photo: Red Bull
Image: Supplied
Henk Lategan’s move to Austria to commit to a full European calendar with a European rally raid team has brought new challenges and opportunities.
While the shift has allowed the South African star to focus on his racing career abroad, it has also come with sacrifices — most notably, the comforts of home. Although Lategan and his family still live in South Africa, they've had to temporarily relocate so Henk could race in Europe.
“Right now, I'm still in Austria," said Lategan. "I will spend over a month in Europe now.
"We'll go to Morocco afterwards for a test, and then I'll come back here. So, yeah, life's definitely changed a little bit. I'm traveling a lot more, spending a lot more time in Europe and abroad, which is tricky, but yeah, we're managing it.
Despite the distance, family remains central to Lategan’s life.
“I still have a family at home, a wife and kids and so on. Back in the day, I loved to have them at the races; I'd take my family with me wherever I go.
"Now it's a bit further to take them along, but I'm still doing that. They are here with me, spending some time before the race, then I go to do the race and come back for a few days.
Henk Lategan of South Africa in action. Photo: Red Bull
Image: Supplied
"Still trying to juggle all the balls and keep everything in place, and yeah, I love having my family around for the races. So, I try my best to do that.”
“There are really good schnitzels here, which is awesome. But nothing beats the food at home and nothing beats a braai,” Lategan admitted with a laugh, highlighting the small joys of South African life that he dearly misses.
For now, Lategan’s European adventure continues, balancing top-level racing with the comfort of family and the taste of home, a braai that remains irreplaceable, no matter how good the schnitzels get.
Jehran Naidoo is sports reporter for Independent Media and social media coordinator of the our YouTube channel The Clutch.