At just 16, Shriya Lohia is already a trailblazer in the world of motorsports. Having started her racing journey at the age of nine, she is now entering her seventh year in the sport, competing across multiple disciplines, including national and international karting championships, Formula 4, autocross, and drifting. In 2023, she made history as the first and youngest female driver to race and score points in the inaugural Indian Formula 4 Championship. As one of India’s few professional female racing drivers, Shriya Lohia is relentlessly pushing boundaries, honing her skills, and striving to make her mark at the highest levels of motorsport. With a clear vision and unwavering determination, she is not just chasing podiums—she’s paving the way for the next generation of aspiring racers. Shriya Lohia ‘ s ultimate dream? To become the first Indian female in Formula One.
Motorsports is still a male-dominated field. What does it mean to you to be a young female trailblazer in Formula 4 racing?
Motorsports has long been considered a male-dominated sport, but I see that as an opportunity rather than a challenge. Being one of the youngest female drivers in Formula 4, I aim to break stereotypes and prove that talent and determination matter more than gender. It’s an honor to pave the way for future female racers, and I hope my journey inspires more girls to take up motorsports confidently.
You became the first and youngest female driver to score points in the Indian F4 Championship. What does this achievement mean to you, and how has it impacted your career?
Scoring points in the Indian F4 Championship as the youngest female driver was a proud moment for me. It validated my hard work and showed that I can compete at the highest level despite the challenges. This achievement has opened new doors in my career, giving me greater confidence and recognition in the motorsports community, both in India and internationally.
Receiving the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in 2022 was a significant milestone. How has this recognition influenced your journey?
Receiving the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar was a huge honor and a turning point in my career. It reinforced my belief in pushing boundaries and striving for excellence. The award brought more visibility to my journey and encouraged me to continue representing India on the global racing stage with even greater determination.
How do you balance the pressures of competitive racing with your education and personal life?
Balancing racing, education, and personal life requires a lot of discipline and time management. I follow a strict schedule, ensuring I dedicate time to my studies while maintaining my fitness and training for races. It’s not always easy, but my family and mentors support me, making it possible to pursue my passion without compromising on academics.
Looking ahead, what are your goals in motorsports? Do you aspire to compete in Formula 1 or other international racing platforms?
My ultimate goal is to represent India at the highest levels of motorsports. Formula 1 is the dream, but I also aim to explore other top international racing platforms like Formula 3, Formula 2, and endurance racing. Every step I take in my career is a move toward that goal, and I’m committed to pushing my limits to reach the top.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is Accelerate Action for gender equality. What message do you have for young girls who dream of racing or pursuing careers in unconventional fields?
To all the young girls dreaming of breaking barriers—go for it! Don’t let societal norms or stereotypes hold you back. Believe in yourself, work hard, and surround yourself with people who uplift you. If I can do it, so can you. The world is changing, and your passion and perseverance can make a difference.
What steps can be taken to encourage more female participation in motorsports in India and globally?
Creating more opportunities through scholarships, training programs, and grassroots initiatives is crucial. Representation also matters—seeing more women in motorsports will inspire young girls to take an interest. Additionally, brands and organizations should invest in female talent, providing sponsorships and mentorship programs to bridge the gender gap.
If you could change one thing about the motorsports industry to make it more inclusive for women, what would it be?
I would like to see more structured support for female drivers, including equal access to sponsorships, training facilities, and professional opportunities. Many talented female racers don’t get the same backing as their male counterparts, and changing this would encourage more women to stay and thrive in the sport.
Your daily fitness routine. How do you kick-start your day?
Fitness is a crucial part of my training. I start my day with a combination of cardio, strength training, and reflex exercises to improve endurance and reaction times. Mental conditioning is equally important, so I also incorporate meditation and visualization techniques to stay focused on my racing goals.
You’ve mentioned not wanting to be labeled solely as a ‘woman racer.’ Please elaborate on how it shapes your identity in the racing community.
While I’m proud to be a female racer, I want to be recognized for my skills and achievements rather than just my gender. Motorsport is about speed, technique, and dedication, and I compete as a driver first. I hope to be an example that talent knows no gender, and I strive to be among the best—period.
What message would you like to convey to young girls who look up to you and aspire to enter the world of racing?
Dream big, and never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something because of your gender. Hard work, passion, and perseverance can take you places you never imagined. The road won’t always be easy, but overcoming every challenge will make you stronger. Keep pushing forward, and I’ll be cheering for you on your journey!
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