The season planning is complete, the first race is just around the corner: Mathilda Paatz will start in the 2023 season for DPK-Racing, the Spanish junior team of Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso. The fast Cologne native will take part in the races of the FIA Kart European and World Championship and the Champions of the Future Euro Series. In addition, the first test drives in a formula car are on the agenda to be perfectly positioned for the future.

Mathilda Paatz already gained her first experience on the international stage last year, and now the 14-year-old is on the attack in the OC Seniors: The programme for 2023 includes not only the Champions of the Future Euro Series, but also the races of the FIA Kart World and European Championships. Paatz will be competing for DPK-Racing. The junior team of Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso is considered a successful talent factory and even provided the world champion in the OC Seniors last year.

Mathilda Paatz can look forward to important sponsorship for the 2023 season. This year, the 14-year-old is part of the "Motorsport Team Germany", the talent promotion of the ADAC Sports Foundation and the DMSB. The German Sports Drivers' Association, which was already one of the important supporters last year, is also continuing the important sponsorship for 2023. In addition, the Rhinelander is accompanied by the ADAC Nordrhein Foundation, which supports and promotes various projects in the region.

There are good reasons why Mathilda Paatz can be happy about the support she receives from sponsors and partners: Last year, the 14-year-old not only caused a stir in the ADAC Kart Masters, where she celebrated third place overall and victory in the Ladies Cup. The "speed girl" also repeatedly set highlights in international races, for example in the WSK series. She also took part in the FIA Motorsport Games and the FIA Karting Academy Trophy. In the FIA Girls on Track project, Paatz was one of only four participants to reach the final in Maranello, Italy.

Paatz with motivation for 2023

These successes aroused the interest of the press, which regularly reported on the activities of the Cologne woman, even on television. A documentary by ARD reached almost 200,000 views on YouTube. Paatz is currently being accompanied by Servus TV, among others. The focus is also on the first test drives in a formula car, which are already planned for March. In the 2023 season, the Cologne native will climb into the racing car several times to gain initial experience for the coming year. Then the final switch to formula racing will take place.

It's nice that things are going so well at the moment. It gives me extra motivation and shows me that I'm on the right track.

Mathilda Paatz

"It's nice that things are going so well at the moment. It gives me additional motivation and shows me that I am on the right track," beams Mathilda Paatz. "I thank all the supporters who accompany me not only financially but also with important tips. This gives my career the necessary tailwind so that I am also prepared for bigger tasks in the future!"

The first race of the season will take place soon. Mathilda Paatz will take part in the second race of the WSK Super Master Series in Franciacorta, Italy (16 to 19 February), making her racing debut in the OC Seniors. "I am looking forward to the start of the season and am motivated to start the new year with a good result," says the Cologne native confidently.