Shriya Lohia: India’s Rising Star in Formula 4

In a sport dominated by speed and precision, Shriya Lohia stands out as a fierce and determined competitor, steadily rising in the ranks of Formula 4. From an early age, Shriya's journey was fuelled by a passion for the rush of motorsports—a journey that began at just nine years old on a road trip when she first experienced the thrill of karting. "The speed, the adrenaline rush felt so much fun to me" Shriya recalls. From that moment on, she was driven to build a career in motorsports filled with these unforgettable experiences.

Her journey has not been without challenges. Entering a male-dominated field, Shriya acknowledges, can feel isolating. “As a female driver, you're always going to be the black sheep" she shares. "There will always be people who think you're out of place and can’t compete with your male competitors.” Yet, Shriya's self-belief and hard work have kept her resilient, allowing her to rise above doubts. She also points out the unique physical challenges, like managing her nutrition during race weekends that coincide with her menstrual cycle, emphasizing the extra demands female drivers often face.

Despite the difficulties, Shriya’s journey has been marked by significant accomplishments. Her transition from karting to Formula 4 has presented her with a steep learning curve. Reflecting on her debut race in Formula 4, she describes the experience as “tricky” due to limited track time and challenges with the car. However, in her very first season, she achieved a notable milestone by scoring points in her debut race, an achievement she holds close. "As a person from a middle-class family, I’m just incredibly grateful to be able to step into the car each time" Shriya shares with genuine appreciation.

Her inspirations in motorsports are legendary figures who embody the qualities of resilience and consistency—two characteristics Shriya deeply admires. Michael Schumacher, with his unmatched seven world titles, has always been a key influence in her approach. Currently, drivers Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri also shape her perspective on racing. “The way they bounce back from tough times, especially Charles, teaches me so much on how to become a better athlete” she notes, recognizing the importance of consistency and mental toughness.

Shriya’s race day routine is a testament to her dedication. Mornings start with a briefing with her race engineer and mechanic to review data, followed by warm-ups with tennis balls and resistance bands. She also visualizes her performance on the track, staying focused and prepared for the intensity of competition. This meticulous routine reflects the mental and physical discipline required in Formula 4.

Balancing a demanding racing career with personal life can be challenging, but Shriya approaches it with a clear sense of priority. She keeps her social life minimal, dedicating most of her time to racing and studies. “I meet my friends once in 2-3 months” she explains, emphasizing that her structured lifestyle helps her focus. Yet, she treasures her family time, especially during breaks, and uses these moments to recharge.

Looking ahead, Shriya dreams of advancing further in motorsports. She envisions herself not only representing India on an international stage but also inspiring future generations of Indian and female drivers. “There haven’t been many Formula 1 drivers from India, and there have been very few female drivers in Formula 1” she says. With the right support and hard work, Shriya aims to be one of the trailblazers.

For young girls hoping to follow in her footsteps, Shriya offers heartfelt advice: "Don't be scared to enter. Work hard each day and believe in yourself" She recognizes the initial intimidation that comes with entering a male-dominated sport, but she encourages aspiring drivers to be strong and determined, reminding them that they, too, can become role models for the next generation.

Shriya Lohia’s journey embodies resilience, passion, and an unyielding drive to succeed. She not only pushes her own boundaries but also carves a path for others, showing that with self-belief and determination, young women can break barriers and achieve greatness in motorsports.