Aston Martin Aramco F1 Academy driver Tina Hausmann checks in after her winter break to talk driving tests, school exams, gearing up for her sophomore season in F1 Academy, and what it's like being recognised in the street.
"Racing is my biggest passion in life. I'm constantly thinking about it."
Tina Hausmann is set to embark on her second year in F1 Academy, the ultra-competitive, all-female series.
After a formative first season racing on the same billing as F1 Grands Prix around the world, she's primed to apply what she's learned in year two.
Beyond the track, she's entering her final months at school. Balancing a crucial time in one's studies and the requirements for racing professionally would be a considerable challenge for most, but Tina is embracing it.
A busy period awaits, but don't be drawn into thinking she's therefore been taking it easy since December when she last raced in Abu Dhabi.
Following confirmation that she'll continue to represent Aston Martin Aramco in F1 Academy this year, Tina took some time to bring us up to speed on what she's been up to over the winter break, how she's ready to use what she's learnt on and off the track to her advantage, and why her 2025 season actually began last year.
REFLECTING AND RECHARGING
"The winter break is very different compared to rest of the year for a racing driver. I've had time to do things other than driving, travelling, and preparing for races.
"Of course, I want to be in the car as much as possible. I've really missed racing over the winter and it's what I love most, but it's been good to have time to do things I can't do usually during the season. I've been on holiday in the Swiss mountains, caught up with friends, and also used some of the time off to reflect on last year.
"One thing that's stuck with me over the winter is René Rosin, PREMA team manager, saying to me back in Abu Dhabi to use the last race of the year as the first race of the following season.
"That really opened my eyes, it was a great piece of advice and finishing off the season well hopefully means a good start for this coming campaign. It was positive to end last year with my best result to date in F1 Academy.
"It's momentum I'm determined to carry into this season, and I'm delighted I'll be doing it as part of Aston Martin Aramco again.
"It's a great team to be a part of. Everybody is so supportive; it's a big family all pushing together."
DRIVING NOT RACING
"I've not been totally away from the wheel since Abu Dhabi. I passed my driving test, which I'm very proud of.
"It's been great to drive on the roads and have that sense of freedom. It's a very different type of driving to what I'm used to; speed limits and right of way aren't usually on my mind! But I'm liking it. As long as I'm at the wheel of a car I'm happy.
"After my test, my examiner congratulated me for passing, but said I brake really late and carry a lot of speed into corners. That made me laugh, I suppose it's good he thought I was quick!"
My priority and main focus is always racing.
EXAM SEASON
"I'm graduating from school at the end of June and my final exams are coming up. Because I miss a lot of school through racing, the biggest challenge for me is to catch up whenever I get the chance. I've been working really hard to study everything I need to, and as the season starts I'll need to plan every detail of my schedule so I can perform at my best on and off the track. It takes a lot of discipline to prepare everything.
"The season and the final phase of my exams start at the same time so it's quite a lot coming all at once, but I've coped well so far. I've already got 75 per cent towards my grade: currently 6, which is the highest possible, so I know what I'm doing is working.
"For my final thesis paper, I wrote about e-fuels and I worked with our title partner Aramco on it. I contacted them about my thesis and met with their research team in Paris to discuss advanced fuels in greater detail.
"I had to prepare a lot for it and I learned so much, it was incredible. They gave me advice throughout the process, and it was so useful being able to collaborate with such talented people and an industry-leading company which is at the heart of motorsport's sustainability drive.
"Once I graduate, I'll start a gap year where I'll be able to solely focus on F1 Academy and the second half of this season.
"My priority and main focus is always racing, no matter what kind of education I'm in, but not having to worry about school in the second half of the year will be beneficial.
"In the future, I'd like to do some internships and travel, and discover what really interests me. Eventually, I want to go to university but I don't know where yet.
"But first and foremost are my exams. It will take a lot of physical and mental energy to switch into exam mode after being away racing but I like the challenge. I wouldn't have it any other way."
READY TO RACE
"Last season, there were a lot of unknown factors. Entering F1 Academy meant getting to grips with a new car, new team-mates, some new circuits, and Aston Martin was a new environment for me too, so there were a lot of things to learn. I can use that experience to my advantage this year though; I've got a lot of knowledge and know how to approach things. I've got some good foundations for this season.
"I'm particularly looking forward to racing at even more new venues this year, namely Shanghai, Montréal, and Las Vegas. It's exciting to have tracks in the calendar I've not driven yet.
"We'll have some pre-season tests in Shanghai so we'll know the track by the time we race, but Montréal and Las Vegas will be completely new. I've watched F1 races there so I know their layouts, but it'll be a fresh challenge for me to tackle. I'm already thinking about factors like brake management in Montréal and tyre management in Las Vegas because it's low-grip and the temperatures are cool.
"I've not set any specific targets this year but, after finishing fourth in the final race last season, the next step is to try to be on the podium."
THE F1 ACADEMY EXPERIENCE
"F1 Academy is very different to anything else I've raced in. It's a global platform; we race alongside F1 on Grand Prix weekends and the media and fan attention is significant.
"For the first time in my life last year, I would be recognised by strangers. I go to school by public transport and people would stop to talk to me or even ask for pictures.
There's been huge strides made for women in motorsport because of F1 Academy.
"That's been cool. I like to meet fans and give something back to them, even if it's a quick chat. I've always thought generally in life it's important and interesting to talk to people you don't know. You can learn something from anybody.
"When I'm with my friends, I'm the same Tina as ever, nothing has changed. But it's a new experience for them too when we go out together and people want to stop and chat. It shows the wide-reaching impact of F1 Academy.
"Equally, a lot of girls are getting into racing and being encouraged to pursue their interests, be it motorsport or something else. F1 Academy has given them courage to chase their passions and shown that you can do anything you put your mind to.
"Specifically in motorsport, I'm seeing a big change which I think will continue. There are go-kart series now that have almost a 50:50 split of male and female participation, which is fantastic.
"The scheduled F1 Academy docuseries will only add to that. I'm excited to open Netflix and, instead of watching a random show, watch myself; it's funny when I think about it, surreal even. It will be interesting to see how it's been filmed and see what was captured with the other drivers.
"There's been huge strides made for women in motorsport because of F1 Academy and I'm proud to be part of it. I can't wait get back out on track and do more this year."
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