​Pedro Cueto overcame Ewing sarcoma and a leg amputation to return to competitive kart racing within monthsHis kart is specially modified to allow him to accelerate using his residual limb after surgeryPedro hopes to inspire others by placing racing simulators in children’s hospitals worldwide and becoming a Formula 1 championThe first time Pedro Cueto climbed into a rental go-kart, he didn’t want to get out.He was around 5 years old, and although he’d only driven rental karts a handful of times for fun, he had already decided exactly what he wanted to do with his life.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“He was always saying he wanted to be a Formula 1 driver,” his mom, Laetitia Cueto, 32, tells PEOPLE exclusively. “He was always begging to go go-karting.”As the years passed, that childhood fascination became something much bigger. While other kids bounced from one hobby to the next, Pedro spent his childhood counting down the days until he could get back behind the wheel. He memorized Formula 1 drivers, studied racing lines and dreamed of climbing motorsport’s competitive ladder all the way to Formula 1 — a journey that, for nearly every professional driver, begins in karting.“It wasn’t ever, ‘When I grow up, I’m going to be a race car driver,’ “ Laetitia says. “He was like, ‘Nope. I’m doing everything it takes right now.’”Pedro Cueto with a go kartCredit: Pedro CuetoBefore long, Pedro’s dream had become the rhythm of the entire family’s life.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAt the time, Laetitia, her husband, Alejandro, 37, and their three sons were living in Arvada, Colo. Weekends revolved around racetracks instead of birthday parties. Family vacations were planned around competitions. Nearly every decision centered on helping Pedro pursue the dream he already treated like a career.Looking back, Laetitia says the signs had been there long before he ever climbed into a kart.“In preschool, every child had to bring a comfort toy for nap time,” she recalls. “Pedro didn’t want a teddy bear. He wanted a little Hot Wheels car. I actually had to explain to the teachers that his comfort item wasn’t stuffed — it was a race car.”“When he was about 2 years old, he came to me one day holding his stomach and said, ‘Mom, my engine hurts,’ “ she adds with a laugh. “Everything in his world related back to racing.”Pedro Cueto in a go-kartCredit: Pedro CuetoAs Pedro grew older, his natural talent behind the wheel quickly became apparent. He began competing against some of the country’s top young karting drivers, dedicating nearly every free moment to becoming faster.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThen, in September 2021, everything stopped.Pedro was just 6 years old when he woke up complaining that his leg hurt a few days after spending hours bouncing in a bounce house during his younger brother’s birthday party.At first, no one thought much of it.“I told my mom my leg w