Aston Martin Aramco F1 Academy driver Tina Hausmann shares her thoughts ahead of her debut in the the ultra-compeititve, all-female single-seater series.
Tina Hausmann has been waiting for this moment.
Ever since she was announced as Aston Martin Aramco's F1 Academy driver in November last year, the 17-year-old Swiss racer has focused on preparing for her maiden season in the series which will see her competing for PREMA Racing and go wheel-to-wheel with some of the sport's most promising and talented young female racers.
As Tina gets ready to take to the track for the opening round of the season in the ultra-compeititve, all-female single-seater series, she shares her thoughts ahead of her F1 Academy debut at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit...
"I've been excited for the season to start since I found out I'd be competing in F1 Academy! It's been beneficial to have this time to prepare, both physically and mentally, but I'm ready to go racing now.
"I'm going to give it everything and push my limits to constantly improve! I'm focused on learning and making the most of my incredible opportunity with PREMA and Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team. I'll also be enjoying every precious moment on track.
"We recently spent a couple of days testing in Saudi Arabia with F1 Academy, so I've had some time to learn the track. It's a very fast circuit, and the barriers around the track mean you're quickly punished for any mistakes. I enjoyed driving there though – learning a new track is always fun – and I think it will make for a great opening round to the season.
"There is so much that I'm looking forward to this season! Working closely with PREMA and Aston Martin is a dream come true; everybody I have met has been so welcoming and I can learn so much from how they operate. I'm also looking forward to racing on so many new tracks. They all have very different characteristics, so I think that will help me continue to grow and develop as a driver.
"At my side, it is great to have Jessica Hawkins (Aston Martin Aramco Head of Racing for F1 Academy). She is a racing driver herself; she's highly experienced and a huge advocate of women in motorsport. Jessica joined me at the Barcelona pre-season test which was incredibly beneficial. She has lots of advice to offer me on where I can learn and improve.
"And working with Aston Martin is amazing. I've visited the AMR Technology Campus a couple of times and I was with the team for the launch of the AMR24, so I'm already feeling very integrated. Everyone I met had the same sparkle in the eyes – the passion for racing. I've learnt a lot about the level of focus they have – everything they do is with performance in mind.
"Finally, it's so important to have series such as F1 Academy which highlight and inspire women. Growing up, I was often inspired by the incredible women working in motorsport so I'm very proud to be part of a ground-breaking series that will undoubtedly inspire the next generation.
"I can't wait to hit the track."
Tina and Fernando catch up
Tina and Fernando talk tactics ahead of the opening races of the F1 Academy season in Saudi Arabia.
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