On Saturday, I had the pleasure of meeting Formula 1 Academy driver Alba Larsen at the Ferrari Store on Bond Street. Despite being only 17 years old, Alba combines impressive professionalism with a genuine warmth that has clearly made her a fan favourite both on and off the track.
The event attracted a large and enthusiastic female crowd, highlighting the growing profile of the F1 Academy series. Fans arrived early for the opportunity to meet Alba, reflecting the increasing impact the championship is having in raising the visibility of women in motorsport.
What makes Alba’s journey particularly remarkable is how recently it began. She only took up karting during the COVID-19 lockdown, after restrictions prevented her from continuing to play handball. In just a few years, she has progressed from karting to becoming one of the most exciting young prospects in international motorsport.
During our conversation, Alba spoke passionately about the role F1 Academy is playing in inspiring young women. Through her GIRL initiative, she is encouraging greater confidence and participation not only in motorsport but across all sports. Her message is about much more than racing; it is about helping young women believe in their own potential and pursue opportunities that may previously have seemed out of reach.
Alba was refreshingly direct when discussing some of the misconceptions that still exist around women competing in elite motorsport.
“Men in motorsport aren’t the biggest, and women can train to be just as strong.”
It’s a statement that reflects her own experience. Already competing against male drivers in Formula 4, Alba is demonstrating through performance and determination that talent, skill and commitment are what matter most on the track.
One moment that illustrated the physical demands of racing came when I asked about the bruising visible on her shoulders. Alba explained that she had been racing over the previous two days and that bruising is simply part of the sport for her. It was a reminder that behind the glamour often associated with motorsport lies an intense physical challenge that drivers encounter every time they get behind the wheel.
Despite the demands of a busy schedule, Alba spent significant time chatting with fans and posing for photos before participating in a group Q&A session. What stood out was not only her confidence and media awareness but also her willingness to engage with the people who support her journey. For someone so early in her career, she showed a level of poise that is often associated with much more experienced athletes.
Looking ahead, Alba’s ambitions are clear. Her goal over the next five years is to progress through the single-seater ladder, moving from Formula 3 to Formula 2 and ultimately reaching Formula 1. Based on her achievements to date and the determination she displayed throughout the event, it is easy to see why many believe she has the talent to achieve those ambitions.
As F1 Academy continues to create new pathways into motorsport and inspire the next generation, drivers like Alba Larsen are proving that the future of racing is becoming more diverse, more accessible and more exciting than ever.
We look forward to following her journey in the years ahead.
