As interest in motorsport among Saudi women continues to grow, 22-year-old Farah Al-Yousef is quickly emerging as one of the standout talents helping to accelerate that momentum—both on the track and in the hearts of a new generation of fans.
A Promising Start: 2022 and the Birth of a Dream
Farah’s story began in 2022, a landmark year that laid the foundation for everything to come.
That spring, she claimed victory in the Saudi Arabian Women’s Karting Championship, quickly emerging as one of the most exciting new talents in the Kingdom. Her aggressive yet composed driving style turned heads at home and abroad, earning her a spot at the Karting World Finals later that year.
There, she faced off against the world’s top young drivers and finished a respectable 26th—a strong international debut that hinted at her greater potential.
“It was the first time I truly believed this could be more than just a passion. It could be a career,”
— Farah Al-Yousef, interview with Motorsport Arabia
Leveling Up: From Karts to Cars in 2024
Eager to evolve, Farah made the leap into single-seaters in the F4 Middle East Championship. It was a bold step, one that demanded rapid adaptation to more powerful cars and fierce, experienced competitors. Despite the challenge, Farah showed promise throughout the season, securing a best finish of 19th place in Qatar and finishing races with a level of consistency rare for a newcomer.
In parallel, she also took on the Radical Cup Middle East—a highly competitive series featuring lightweight, high-downforce sports cars that bridge the gap between formula and endurance racing. The Radical series proved to be the perfect training ground, sharpening her racecraft and giving her valuable experience in high-speed vehicle control.
“Radical racing really pushed my limits. You’re in a car that behaves like a prototype, with real downforce and speed. It’s demanding but exhilarating—and it made me a more complete driver.”
— Farah Al-Yousef, interview with SpeedTrack Weekly
F1 Academy Debut: Home Soil, Global Stage
Farah’s rising profile earned her a wild card entry to the F1 Academy support race at the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, held from April 18–20 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. The event, part of Formula 1’s official development platform for women in motorsport, will see Farah race under the banner of Hitech TGR, one of the leading teams in the series.
For Farah, this isn’t just another race—it’s a milestone. Competing in front of a home crowd, at one of the world’s fastest street circuits, she steps onto a truly global stage, representing not only herself but a new generation of Saudi women who dream of more.
“To race in Jeddah, in my country, with my flag—it’s everything I’ve worked for.”
— Farah Al-Yousef, interview with Arabian Motorsport News
Driven by Speed—and Scienc
Racing isn’t Farah’s only arena. She’s currently pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering in the United Kingdom, seamlessly blending two worlds that most would consider separate: motorsport and science.
“I don’t just want to be fast. I want to understand the car. The way air moves, the way materials behave, the structure behind the speed—that fascinates me.”
— Farah Al-Yousef, interview with Tech & Track Magazine
This rare fusion of academic precision and racing instinct gives her a distinctive edge, especially when it comes to vehicle feedback and performance analysis.
Guided by Experience: The Graeme Glew Factor
Farah’s journey wouldn’t be complete without the guidance of her mentor and manager, Graeme Glew—a veteran of the motorsport world and founder of Formula Woman, a global initiative dedicated to developing female racing talent.
Glew saw Farah’s potential early and has played a pivotal role in helping her navigate the technical, mental, and commercial aspects of the sport. From sponsorship deals to media presence and team relationships, Farah’s success is built not just on speed, but on strategy—and a support system that believes in her.
“She’s incredibly intelligent and relentlessly focused. That combination doesn’t come along often.”
— Graeme Glew, statement to Racer Global
Eyes on the Future: Le Mans and Beyond
As she continues to rise, Farah is already thinking beyond F4 and single-seaters. Her ultimate goal? To race in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of motorsport’s most grueling and prestigious endurance events.
“Le Mans represents everything I love—speed, precision, endurance, and team spirit. That’s where I want to prove myself.”
— Farah Al-Yousef, interview with TrackLife Journal
Her Radical Cup experience has already given her a taste of that world, and with her academic background in aerospace and her drive to succeed, she’s positioning herself as a true contender for endurance racing’s biggest stages.
Breaking Boundaries, Building Legacy
Farah Al-Yousef’s story is bigger than lap times and checkered flags. As one of Saudi Arabia’s very few internationally competing female drivers, she is changing perceptions—both at home and abroad.
“I want to show girls back home that it’s possible. If I can do it, so can they.”
— Farah Al-Yousef, interview with Voices of Motorsport
With her F1 Academy debut just days away and long-term goals like Le Mans firmly in her sights, Farah is not just racing for herself—she’s racing for every young woman who’s ever been told she couldn’t.
…And she’s just getting started.