Written by Jenny Clynes, 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. Woman Spotlight Wednesday aims to take a look at the tales of these superwomen, who have surpassed various hurdles to reach where they are today.
The glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Grand Prix set the perfect stage for Pierre Gasly’s excellent surprise in qualifying, George Russell’s third win, and of course, Max Verstappen claiming his fourth world championship.
However, it was also the perfect setting to announce a brand new talent trailblazing their way into competitive motorsport. Over the weekend, Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 Academy, along with iconic series partner Tommy Hilfiger, announced their next young racer for the 2025 F1A grid at the Female Quotient’s Equality Lounge.
Alba Hurup Larsen was chosen to represent the globally-recognised Tommy Hilfiger brand in next season’s lineup, which will travel to three new venues including Las Vegas, next year.
Alba’s motorsport story started slightly later than most other racers. The Dane began racing when she was 12, whereas the majority of other motorsport stars began their journeys when they were only five or six.
Alba began karting during the COVID-19 pandemic, and what started out as a hobby quickly became a lifestyle. Despite Alba’s slightly older start in karting, she progressed rapidly. In early 2024, she made her single seater debut in the Indian Formula 4 Championship. One of her most notable achievements in this series was winning Rookie of the Race, and finishing in the top six back in August in Chennai.
But that’s not her only immense accomplishment over the last 18 months. Last year, Alba won the 2023 FIA Girls On Track Rising Stars programme, named by the FIA and Ferrari as the fastest girl in her age group.
The Rising Stars Programme involves an intensive process where talented girls from across the world are selected to complete a series of tests, simulation drives, and a replication of an entire race weekend including Free Practice sessions, Qualifying, and a race day in Maranello.
Alba was selected from 116 girls across over 50 countries, having beaten three other finalists to win the programme. According to Ferrari, Alba was a standout because of her fast learning, her ability to handle the car, and the skill she displayed over a flying lap.
Such impressive traits didn’t go unnoticed by one of her country’s motorsport icons. For the last two years, Alba has been mentored by fellow Dane, Formula One driver Kevin Magnussen. The Haas driver has offered support along this journey to F1A.
Magnussen previously told The Athletic, “Something that [he] felt stood out with her, her curiosity and willingness to gather information. [He] was there as a Formula One driver (at) this go-kart track, and she took the opportunity to really ask questions and, like, take that info.” Magnussen was also quick to praise her focus and stand out attitude.
Although she is still in the early days of her career, Alba has displayed talent and determination time and again, willing to learn, and a desire to cement her place in the world of motorsport. The 15-year-old will turn 16 in December, making her one of the youngest girls on the F1A grid.
She took to Instagram after the announcement confirming her as the fifth racer confirmed on next year’s grid.
She wrote, “I couldn’t be in better hands. Thanks for your trust and making my dream come true!” Her approach and attitude to racing, and the place women have in the world of racing is truly inspirational, and it is so exciting to see where Alba’s incredible skills and talent will take her.
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