Cologne-based racing driver Mathilda Paatz is climbing an important rung on the career ladder. As one of only 14 female racing drivers from around the world, the 13-year-old has been selected for the FIA's "Girls on Track - Rising Stars" project. There, Paatz has the unique opportunity to obtain one of the coveted places in the "Ferrari Driving Academy". In several competitions over the coming months, the schoolgirl will have to hold her own against international racing talent.
Mathilda Paatz has already taken the first step with her nomination. A total of 146 motorsport associations from all over the world had recommended at least one talent from their country, from which the FIA selected the 14 most successful female racers. The experienced jury, consisting of motorsport greats such as Tom Kristensen, Susie Wolff and Michele Mouton, chose Mathilda Paatz, who recently attracted attention with her successes in karting.
As an ambassador for 'FIA Girls on Track', I want to prove that women in racing are just as good as the men!
Mathilda Paatz, Ambassador "Women in Motorsport
As early as mid-August, the Cologne native will face her first direct duel with the competition. At a training camp run by the Winfield Racing School, a renowned racing school based at the French Formula 1 Circuit Paul Ricard, Paatz will have to prove her talent not only in the kart but also off the track. Various workshops focus on physical fitness and technical knowledge, among other things.
Ambassador for women in motorsport
Should Paatz make it into the top four female drivers in her age group, the Ferrari Driving Academy's decisive scouting camp awaits her in November. As the winner of the complex training and selection process, the 13-year-old should be delighted to be accepted into the coveted 'Ferrari Driver Academy'. This will bring her closer to her dream of moving up into formula racing.
"I'm proud to have been selected to participate in 'Girls on Track - Rising Stars,'" beams Mathilda Paatz. "It means a lot to me and the hard work I've put in over the last few months is paying off. I'm doing my best to make it to the finals. It's great to support women in motorsport in this way. The support is helping me on my way to becoming a successful female racing driver. As an ambassador for 'FIA Girls on Track' I want to prove that women in racing are just as good as the men!"
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