In a groundbreaking achievement for Chinese motorsport, Shi Wei, also known as Tie Dou, will become the first Chinese female driver to compete in the F1 Academy starting in March 2025. She will race against top female drivers as a wild card entry during the season's opening event at the F1 Chinese Grand Prix, showcasing both her skills and the potential of Chinese women in motorsports.
Shi expressed her gratitude for being given the opportunity, calling it an "incredible honor." She hopes to represent the vibrant spirit of Chinese women and inspire younger generations while promoting the growth of motorsport and the automotive industry in China. The F1 Academy, which was launched in 2023 to support and develop young female drivers, introduced the Wild Card initiative in 2024 to expand the talent pool in regions where it operates.
Shi has already made a name for herself in the Chinese racing scene, having secured impressive results in various competitions, including winning the Challenge Cup at the F4 Chinese Championship in 2024. He Jiandong, from the Federation of Automobile and Motorcycle Sports of China, emphasized that Shi's entry is not just about her individual success but represents a significant milestone for diversity and inclusivity in Chinese motorsport.
Beyond her racing endeavors, Shi designed her racing suit to reflect her cultural heritage, incorporating traditional elements like the Qipao dress into her attire. This unique blend aims to offer a glimpse of Eastern aesthetics within the high-speed world of racing.
Female drivers face unique difficulties in motorsport, including the physical demands of racing vehicles and extreme temperatures. Shi highlighted these challenges while also noting how racing has transformed her outlook on life, pushing her to constantly improve both mentally and physically. She actively shares her experiences through her vlog, hoping to encourage more women to engage in motorsport, which she believes can change lives for the better.
Shi's wild card entry is a profound milestone for not only her personal journey but also for future generations of women in racing, as many anticipate her potential impact on the global stage. Her story reflects the ambition and resilience of Chinese women, paving the way for a brighter future in the motorsports industry.
7 Comments
Sammmm
Women in racing is interesting. We will follow the development of this direction.
Rotfront
Finally, we're seeing women take center stage in Formula racing! This is long overdue!
Karamba
The pressures and challenges in racing are hard for ANY driver. Highlighting them for women alone seems unfair.
Rotfront
Saying she’ll change lives for other women in motorsports sounds overly optimistic. The road is still tough.
moshiurroney
I admire her perseverance! Racing is tough, but she seems ready to face any challenge head-on!
Donatello
This is such an inspiring story! Shi Wei is paving the way for future generations of female racers!
ZmeeLove
Congratulations to Shi! Her trailblazing moment will inspire countless girls in China to chase their racing dreams.