Adam Khalid is one of Malaysia’s outstanding international racing drivers, having built a successful motorsport career across open-wheel single-seater, touring car and GT racing. Nurtured by a family deeply connected to automotive culture, he has emerged as a respected talent on both Asian and European circuits. Beyond racing, Adam has established a strong presence in the lifestyle and fashion space, reflecting his versatility both on and off the track. In a recent interview with Top 10 of Malaysia, Adam talks about the experiences, challenges and defining milestones that have shaped his remarkable journey. He shares insights into a career that continues to evolve through his achievements as a professional athlete, passionate advocate and successful entrepreneur.
“An island boy from the East Coast of Malaysia who ended up driving fast cars on a world stage” is how he describes himself; a life that blends high-speed adrenaline with the tranquillity of coastal living. His motorsport journey began in karting before progressing to Formula racing at the age of 15, where he claimed the Formula BMW AsiaCup Rookie of the Year title. After competing in Formula 4 and Formula 3, he was selected by Sepang International Circuit for its KBS Talent Development Programme, racing across Asia before making the transition to GT racing and signing with Aston Martin. Throughout his career, he has piloted some of the world’s most celebrated performance cars, including the McLaren Artura and Aston Martin Vantage.
Reflecting on the influences that shaped him into one of Malaysia’s respected motorsport figures, Adam credits both his family’s deep-rooted passion for automobiles and the values instilled during his upbringing. “I grew up to the smell of petrol and burning rubber. My grandfather was an avid car collector, my uncle was always either at the track or in the garage working on his bikes and my father was a total car fanatic, so racing is practically embedded in my DNA,” he shares.
Apart from that, he believes the greatest influence came from growing up in a close-knit family environment. “My mum, who is my backbone, taught me the importance of understanding emotions and managing expectations. In a sport filled with pressure and adrenaline, being comfortable in my own skin gave me the confidence and resilience that continue to guide me today.”
Among the many highlights of his professional career, Adam regards signing with Aston Martin Racing in 2023 as one of his most meaningful milestones. “Having the chance to represent Malaysia on that kind of international stage alongside iconic heritage brands felt more sentimental than anything else,” he notes. The achievement carried special significance, having long admired the marque since childhood. “A little secret: when all the other boys wanted a Ferrari or a Lamborghini, I wanted the Aston Martin DB7 — I wanted to be James Bond,” he says.
Beyond the cockpit, Adam has also embraced the role of a social entrepreneur through initiatives. Driven by a desire to create meaningful impact, he co-founded platforms to connect individuals and communities with opportunities for growth and positive change.
Reflecting on the motivation behind these initiatives, he shares, “I grew up in an environment where opportunities were ours for the taking, and all we really needed was a little guidance to tap into that potential.” Together with a group of friends, Adam established Raise Together and Royong.io to help bridge the gap between those who want to make a difference and those seeking support to create change. “My goal was to use whatever platform or visibility we had to empower every community. To be honest, everyone just needs someone in their corner telling them they can take over the world if they wanted to.”
‘Passion’ remains the driving force behind Adam’s sense of purpose, whether in motorsport, creative pursuits or social impact initiatives. He credits this to staying grounded in his values and surrounding himself with a strong support system. “I maintain it by staying true to my roots and building a healthy support system around me,” he explains. Guided by his personal mantra, “Tranquilo,” he strives to find tranquillity in every aspect of life.
Fashion and creative direction remain central focuses that Adam continues to nurture alongside his racing career, particularly through his brand, byRhumi. Drawing inspiration from Kim Jones, Tyler, the Creator, Daniel Arsham and Pharrell Williams, he admires their ability to seamlessly carry their personal identity across multiple disciplines.
“The way these creatives incorporate their own identity and style into their work to transition from one creative lane to another so effortlessly is what I aspire to achieve,” he shares. For Adam, fashion is not only a form of self-expression but also a powerful medium for storytelling and creating new experiences. He is especially excited by the growing intersection between motorsport, fashion and lifestyle culture. While byRhumi is currently on pause, he hints that exciting developments are in the works. “We’ve been working behind the curtains for a while, so I’m excited to finally show everyone what we’ve been up to.”
Pondering past experiences, Adam encourages aspiring racers to embrace their own path and not compare their progress with others. “First, I want to address the ‘is it too late?’ question. Don’t worry if you’re starting later than others,” he says, adding that everyone has their own timeline.
He also believes success extends far beyond natural ability. “Talent is only half of the equation; the rest is work ethic, respect, adaptability and understanding the environment around you,” he shares, recalling his mother’s advice to always finish what you start and give it your all. Above all, Adam stresses the importance of prioritising mental and physical well-being. “A clear mind is the fastest thing you can put in a race car.”