In an era when many young people turned to video games or new television series, 17-year-old Danish racing driver Alba Larsen discovered her true passion during the pandemic. The COVID-19 lockdowns prompted her to seek out an exhilarating new activity, leading her to the world of karting alongside her sister and a friend.
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Reflecting on her journey, Larsen tells PEOPLE, “I was bored during the lockdown, and I wanted to try something fun, so I went karting… I loved every second of it.” This newfound enthusiasm for speed and competition has accelerated her ascent through the racing ranks, as she dreams of becoming one of the few women to grace the Formula 1 stage.
Following her initial foray into karting, Larsen quickly transitioned from local competitions to regional and then international events. Her hard work paid off when she triumphed in the Ferrari-sponsored FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars competition in 2023, a victory that brought her to the attention of the F1 Academy, an initiative aimed at supporting female drivers toward achieving their Formula 1 aspirations.
Despite the daunting statistics—only five women have ever participated in a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend—Larsen remains undeterred. Instead, she sees these figures as a call to action. “I hope to inspire the next generation of women entering F1,” she states, acknowledging the influence of current F1 Academy managing director, Susie Wolff. “In the beginning of my racing journey, I didn’t have many female drivers to look up to… I really want to try to be the next one that the girls look up to.”
Having been confirmed to return to the F1 Academy for the 2027 season, Larsen is eager to continue her progression. With two races remaining in the current season, she sits in fourth place, buoyed by her recent second-place finish at the F1 Academy’s feature race in Zandvoort, Netherlands. The upcoming races in Austin, Texas, and Las Vegas are set to be crucial for her as she aims for a podium placement in the final standings.
As she approaches the concluding stages of the season, Larsen maintains a steadfast focus on her performance rather than permitting external pressures to cloud her thoughts. “I try to remember that I’m only doing this for me and that it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks,” she comments. This mindset is especially important in the high-stakes world of motorsport, where public scrutiny is consistent and intense.
The young driver’s philosophy extends to her desire to inspire others. She encourages fellow aspiring female racers to concentrate on their personal journeys rather than external opinions. “It doesn’t matter what other people think… you’ve got to focus on yourself and take it one step at a time,” she advises, embodying the resilience she hopes will resonate with young girls looking to enter the sport.
With her talent and determination, Alba Larsen is not only carving out a space for herself in the competitive world of motorsport but is also on a mission to change the narrative for future female drivers. Her accomplishments thus far illustrate the power of perseverance and passion, qualities that will undoubtedly fuel her quest for success in the coming years.
As the F1 Academy ventures into its next chapter, eyes will be on Larsen as she aims to leave her mark and inspire a new generation of women who dream of entering the realm of Formula 1.