A 15-year-old racer from Radlett is looking to become the next Formula 1 superstar after signing up to a televised competition.
Olivia Herzig, who currently races in National Ministox competitions, has entered the Formula Woman 2021 – a competition to find the next female motor racing champion.
The talented teen, whose late grandfather, Vic, was a National Hot Rod racer, started racing around 18 months ago and hopes that her journey to become a professional will inspire other women to get on the tracks.
Her dad, Jon, explained: “People say it’s a bit of a man’s sport, but she’s there to stand her ground and say no, it isn’t.
“She’s doing really well with her Mini racing, but out of 30-odd drivers, she’s one of just four girls taking part.”
Through Ministox, which is a club for 11 to 15-year-olds in which drivers race in classic Minis that go up to around 50mph, Olivia has already competed in Devon, Cornwall, Skegness and Birmingham.
Through the full-contact competitions, she’s already got quite a bit of experience behind the wheel.
Her mum, Alex, said: “She absolutely loves it. She’s in it for the thrill – when she hits someone or they hit her, she enjoys those aspects as well.
“She’s sees racing as her future career. That’s why she’s entering Formula Woman. So watch this space!”
Olivia will be the youngest ever contestant in Formula Woman, which brings together women of all ages who have limited driving experience.
There will be track assessments from September this year, and 16 finalists will be selected during the winter of 2021/2022 for the final ‘shoot out’.
The six winners of the competition will be trained and coached between February and April 2022 in fully sponsored Formula Woman McLaren GT4 race cars, before getting the chance to drive in the UK GT Cup championship during 2022.
To stay up-to-date with Olivia’s journey, visit her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4vyaYZIL9KYgMRYW0SYWSg
Loved this!!!!! Such a gorgeous, talented young woman, id love to see more from her in the future.