Woman Spotlight Wednesday: Kareen Kaur

Alejandra Guajardo Lozano
Aug 6
2 min read

Written by Alejandra Guajardo Lozano, Edited by Vyas Ponnuri

Women have played an influential role throughout the history of motor racing. Many have taken to the wheels of motorsport machines, while numerous figures have worked tirelessly on the sidelines in various roles, shaping the racing world to the present day.

Today’s spotlight shines on a promising talent hailing from the Southeast Asian region, Kareen Kaur. The Singaporean racer began karting aged just nine, immediately demonstrating her natural talent behind the wheel. Her foray into motor racing ignited a dream to become a professional in the field.

“I enjoyed the speed and the adrenaline rush… I can’t imagine not racing. It has become a big part of who I am, it is part of my dreams and has shaped me to become the person that I am.” Kaur expressed.

At just 15, Kaur has emerged as Singapore’s first female Formula 4 driver, having placed fourth overall in the junior category of the ROK Cup Singapore 2024 Championship. Kaur is also racing in the Champions of the Future (COTFA) championship, a racing series organised by the all-female championship F1 Academy. Having a seat in the F1 Academy is all Kaur has always dreamed of.

In October 2023, the youngster endured a scary moment on track during the ROK Cup Super Finals. After a collision, Kaur was flung out of her kart, hitting a barrier and blacking out. The incident left her father, Kuldeep Singh, lying in anxious wait for over half an hour, until he managed to check up on his daughter.

The Singaporean was able to walk it out with abrasions and bruises to her arm, and her right wrist had to be bandaged. Even though she was advised not to race for the weekend, the then 13-year-old Kaur was back behind the wheel the next day.

The 15-year-olds' impact isn’t limited to just the track. Outside the track, Kaur is just as inspiring. She serves as an ambassador for the Cancer Society, using her platform to raise awareness and funds for the organisation. The Singaporean hopes to be able to help more as she embarks on her F4 journey.

Kaur stands out for her resilience and maturity despite her age. She has raced against older and male peers, but never backs down from a fight. Her calmness under pressure and skilful racecraft show her innate talent. She is surely on the right path to accomplish her dreams and is one to keep an eye on. This assurance comes even more so, having met with an F1 Academy official at Singapore, who reassured her and her family that she was on the right path.

The Singaporean will also be in action in the Indian F4 season in 2025, having signed for the Chennai Blackbirds outfit recently. The subcontinent's newest racing series kicks off in just over a week, with the first weekend taking place at the Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore, on 16th and 17th August.