Before they sit in the cockpit: A girl’s journey to the driver’s seat

Or why you don’t need permission—just press the accelerator

When we say "racing driver," the image that comes to mind is someone in a race suit, standing on a podium, wind-blown hair after taking off the helmet, trophies in hand, fans cheering. Most often – a man.

But a racetrack doesn’t recognise gender. The car doesn’t care who’s in the cockpit. Gravity works the same for everyone. It’s just that the road girls have to take before they even get to the driver’s seat is often much longer, more winding.

From karting dreams to the moment you say, “I’ll try”

It often begins with karting. Hands gripping the steering wheel, wide eyes under the helmet, a heart beating faster than the engine. But even then come the questions: “Isn’t that for boys?”, “Do you really want to race?”, “Wouldn’t dancing be better?”

Motorsport isn’t easy for anyone, but for girls, it’s often a real test of courage. Not because they lack the passion, talent, or determination. But because they’re rarely invited in. Someone needs to say: “Come on, try it. There’s a place behind the wheel for you too.”

But what if, instead of waiting for an invitation, they write one for themselves?

Racing Women – a community that doesn’t ask your age

For every woman who’s ever dreamed of racing but didn’t know where to start, there’s Racing Women. More than an organisation – it’s a global community that says: You’re not too young. You’re not too old. You’re not alone.

Racing Women offers coaching, workshops, track days, physical and mental training, and above all – belief that you can. Whether you’re 16 and just figuring out your path, or 46 and finally doing something just for yourself – the doors are open. Sometimes even wide open, with the keys already in the ignition.

Because it’s about courage. That one step: “I’m signing up. I’m going. I’m trying.”

A community of drivers from a past UK training camp

START YOUR RACING JOURNEY

Courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s choosing in spite of it.

Not every girl starts young. Not every woman had support, money, or opportunity. But any woman who feels a spark inside – can ignite it.

You can start with karting. With amateur track days. With a sim racing rig at home. With a conversation – with other women who once feared being the only one out there. And who now zip up their suits and say, “This was the best decision of my life.”

Motorsport isn’t just about podiums. It’s about power. It’s about fast decision-making, trusting yourself, your body, your instincts. It’s a masterclass in resilience – whether you dream of F4 or just want to challenge your limits on a weekend track.

Why I stepped into motorsport

Because I saw something more than competition. I saw a space where technology, emotion, energy, and the human experience collide and combine. A world where you can’t go halfway – you have to be fully present, focused, bold.

In motorsport, I saw a mirror of my professional life – green energy, future technologies, and breaking barriers. And something else – people who want to build new paths. Also for women.

Will I try driving myself? Yes. Because I believe that to truly understand this world, you have to feel the speed first. And to show that the cockpit isn’t just for those who’ve been racing since they were kids, but also for those brave enough to start – at any age.

And maybe, just maybe, this is the best moment to do it.

Girls, don’t wait for permission

Big change starts with small decisions. With the girl who signed up for the Racing Women summer camp even though she thought she’d be the oldest. With the woman who had never driven fast before but now owns her first race suit. With the little girl who got a go-kart from her dad – and drove faster than her brother.

Motorsport needs women. It needs your emotion, your stamina, your focus, your empathy. It needs diversity – not as a buzzword in a brochure, but as the engine of the sport’s future.

Because behind every podium isn’t just speed. There’s a story. There’s courage. There’s a decision to finally press the throttle.

Don’t wait for an invitation. Step onto the track. Visit www.racingw.com, find your next track day, and take that first step. Because someone out there is watching you – and might just get inspired to try, too.

BECOME A RACING WOMAN