In the world of motorsport, few stories are as inspiring as that of Natalia Granada, an 18-year-old Spanish driver currently making waves in the F1 Academy. From her early childhood, racing has been a family affair, igniting her passion in a sport she has long loved.
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Granada recalls growing up in La Garriga, Spain, where her weekends were often spent watching Formula 1 races with her twin brother, Marc, and their parents. “My parents have always been huge F1 fans,” she shared in an interview. It was during those family viewing sessions that her brother posed a pivotal question: “How did Fernando Alonso, the renowned Spanish driver, begin his career in Formula 1?” This inquiry led to their exploration of the exciting world of motorsport, ultimately inspiring them to take the first step into racing themselves.
Finding a go-karting track within a short distance from their home, the twins quickly began their journey. “We figured out the closest track and I started driving,” Granada recalled with a smile. What started as a childhood curiosity has since blossomed into a promising career. Now, she competes as one of the 15 full-time drivers in the all-women F1 Academy, showcasing her remarkable talent on an international stage.
Granada’s debut season has been nothing short of extraordinary. Currently standing in ninth place in the championship, she recently achieved an impressive fourth-place finish at Zandvoort in the Netherlands. As the season nears its close, with events set to take place in the United States, including Austin, Texas, and Las Vegas, the excitement is palpable. “It’s been amazing,” she remarked. “Transitioning from go-karts to single-seaters is a monumental step in my career, providing invaluable exposure and opportunities.”
Nevertheless, the life of a young racer is not without its challenges. Alongside her racing commitments, Granada must find a way to balance her online education, family time, and social life. “Online school has been incredibly beneficial in managing my hectic schedule,” she explained. When not racing or studying, Granada finds solace in cooking. “I love making paella and sushi, and spending time with my family and friends helps me recharge before getting back in the car.”
Her recent performance in Zandvoort reflects her growing confidence and skill on the track. Granada, sponsored by Sephora, is making strides in her sport, displaying poise and resilience. “This season marks my first with the two-year driving programme, and I’ve learned so much already,” she said, expressing gratitude for her team’s support.
The Iron Dames, a prominent Swiss-Italian women’s racing team, has played a crucial role in her development as a driver. They have been instrumental in supporting talented women in motorsport since their inception in 2019, and Granada hopes to follow in the footsteps of accomplished racers like Katherine Legge, who participated in this year’s Indy 500. “They’ve been such a significant help at this young age,” expressed Granada, who is eager to continue her journey with the support of the Iron Dames.
As she reflects on her year, Granada emphasises the importance of preparation and self-awareness in her racing journey. “In motorsport, it’s essential to be ready for your current challenges while also preparing for the next step,” she remarked. With her remarkable journey already underway, the future appears bright for this talented driver.
With two major events on the horizon, followers and fans are eagerly anticipating what’s next for Granada. The UK motorsport community is watching closely, hoping to see one of their own potentially reach the pinnacle of motorsport in the years to come. As young women like Granada carve their paths in a male-dominated sport, they inspire a new generation of aspiring racers to dream big.