Women Spotlight Wednesday: Farah AlYousef

Written by Alejandra Guajardo Lozano, Edited by Vyas Ponnuri

Credit: F1 Academy

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 Woman Spotlight Wednesday shines the light on the talented Saudi Arabian driver, Farah AlYousef.

AlYousef was the second Wild Card entry in the all-women F1 Academy series. She raced in Jeddah with the #4 MUHRA car operated by Hitech TGR, representing her nation, one where women could not legally drive or get a driver’s license until 2018. 

With all the pressure on her shoulders, the Saudi Arabian driver was prepared to play her part. She completed extensive testing at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, getting her first taste of F1 Academy machinery for three days.

"Racing as a Wild Card entry in the F1 Academy on home soil here in Jeddah is truly a dream come true,” AlYousef said. “Motorsport has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and to line up alongside some of the most talented young drivers in the world at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit is an incredibly proud moment.”

Before the F1 Academy opportunity, the 22-year-old already had a progressive and successful curriculum in motorsports. She was crowned champion at the Saudi Women’s Karting Championship in 2022 and finished 26th at the Karting World Finals.

She has also raced in the F4 Middle East Championship and was recently appointed to represent her country at the FW Nations Cup Finals in Dubai in May.

Although AlYousef placed 16th in race 1 and 18th in race 2, the support from her country was always there. Support from a country that now had women racing at over 200 km/h. Ultimately, the young Saudi Arabian driver accomplished her goal of making women in her country feel represented, letting them know that their dreams are not impossible.

“I hope my participation inspires young girls across Saudi Arabia to believe in themselves and chase their dreams. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but moments like this remind me why I love racing. I’m ready to give it my all and represent my country with pride."

Credit: F4 UAE