Motorsport has long been a field dominated by men, but history was rewritten when Kareen Kaur Formula 4 driver from Singapore, became the country’s first Sikh female athlete to enter the competitive world of single-seater racing. At just 15, Kareen has shown the courage, resilience, and passion of a champion, proving that barriers are meant to be broken, not obeyed.
Her journey is not only about speed and podium finishes—it is about rewriting narratives, inspiring the next generation, and carrying the hopes of a nation into the roaring world of motorsport.
Kareen Kaur: A Childhood Fueled by Speed and Dreams
Kareen’s passion for racing was sparked in childhood, nurtured by a family where sports run deep. Her younger siblings, wrestler Kushvin Kaur and track-and-field athlete Kavneet Kaur, are also forging their own athletic paths. But Kareen’s obsession was always different—it was the thrill of engines, the symphony of gears shifting, and the adrenaline rush of racing.
Her father, Kuldeep Singh, himself a motorsport enthusiast, recalls how she grew up in car workshops, shadowing him and asking endless questions. “She basically grew up in workshops,” he said proudly. At nine years old, during a casual family lunch near Turf City, Kareen spotted a karting track. One drive was all it took—her raw talent left her father stunned, and soon she was scouted by a racing team.
From that moment, Kareen was never just a spectator—she became a competitor with a dream.
Rising Through the Ranks: From Karting to Formula 4
By 13, Kareen’s training took a serious turn. With no Formula 4 circuits in Singapore, she committed to intensive simulator sessions, physical training, and international testing. Her father made sacrifices, cutting personal expenses and securing sponsorships from brands like Motul Asia and Saltify, to ensure her dream didn’t stall at the starting line.
Her perseverance paid off. Kareen placed fourth overall in the junior category of the ROK Cup Singapore 2024 Championship, finishing as the top female driver. She also clinched second in the first round of the ROK Cup Malaysia, competing against seasoned talents.
Beyond her results, her resilience speaks volumes. In Italy at the ROK Cup Super Finals in 2023, she suffered a terrifying crash when another competitor drove over her kart. She blacked out after hitting a barrier and emerged with abrasions and a bandaged wrist. Most would have sat out—but Kareen returned to the track the very next day, driving mostly with her left hand. “I was worried someone might hit me again, but that didn’t stop me,” she recalled. That grit defines her racing spirit.
Kareen Kaur: Balancing School, Sports, and Sacrifice
Off the track, Kareen is still a teenager juggling studies, netball, and racing. A typical week sees her balancing four to five gym sessions, three netball trainings, and two karting practices. Racing abroad every month means sacrifices—but her school and family stand firmly behind her.
The long-term goal is even bolder. Once she completes her O levels in 2026, the family plans to relocate her to Italy, the heartland of motorsport, where she can train on professional tracks and accelerate her career toward Formula 1. “In Singapore, it’s very difficult to get prepared at an international level,” her father explains. But Kareen is clear: she knows what she wants, and she’s willing to leave comfort behind to chase it.
Beyond the Podium: A Voice for Change
Kareen’s journey is not only about racing. She is also the youngest ambassador for the Singapore Cancer Society, using her platform to raise awareness and inspire hope. In her own words: “Whether you’re a girl or a boy, the only thing that proves your worth is getting on the podium.”
Her presence in the male-dominated world of motorsport is itself a victory for representation. By becoming Singapore’s first Sikh female Formula 4 driver, Kareen Kaur is lighting the path for young girls who dare to dream differently.
The Road Ahead: From Formula 4 to Formula 1
Today, Kareen is competing in European races such as the Champions of the Future series, linked to the all-female F1 Academy, with races in Spain, Italy, and the UAE. But her ambition is crystal clear—Formula 1.
At just 15, she already embodies the qualities of an F1 driver: fearlessness, discipline, and relentless determination. And while her journey is still in its early laps, every race she drives brings her closer to the global stage.
Also Read : Freddy Bharucha: From Brand Builder to CEO of P&G Beauty