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Stephanie Hobeika is the Lebanese driver making headlines as the only woman competing in the Radical SR1 category, racking up podium finishes in her debut car racing season while simultaneously pursuing a Design Engineering degree at the University of Bath.

EARLY YEARS

Born in 2003 in Lebanon, originally from Baskinta, Hobeika’s childhood was split between Dubai and England—a globe-trotting upbringing that would eventually lead her to British racing circuits[1]. Her introduction to motorsport came at age 12 in Lebanon, when someone put her in a kart for the first time. That single experience was enough to hook her[2].

Unlike many drivers who grow up with racing in their blood, Stephanie’s path wasn’t mapped out from birth. But once she got behind the wheel, the trajectory became clear. She competed in the 2019 Lebanese Karting Championship, finishing third overall and securing her first win—not bad for a teenager finding her footing in a male-dominated sport[3]. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her momentum, but it didn’t derail her ambition.

OTHER INTERESTS

Here’s where Stephanie gets interesting: she’s not just a racer. She’s studying Integrated Design Engineering at the University of Bath, because apparently one high-pressure pursuit wasn’t enough[4]. She even completed an industrial placement at Bentley Motors as a Plant Quality student, gaining hands-on experience in automotive manufacturing—the kind of technical knowledge that gives her an edge when she’s troubleshooting setup issues in the paddock[5].

As if that weren’t enough, she leads the Formula Student program at her university, proving her involvement in motorsport extends well beyond her own racing career[6]. “I never wanted to choose between engineering and racing,” she’s said, and frankly, she hasn’t had to.

EARLY SUCCESS

Stephanie’s karting career picked up steam after lockdowns lifted. She competed in both British and Middle Eastern karting events, often as the only female in her category. In 2024, she won the Formula Woman Middle East bootcamp—a program designed to identify and develop female racing talent—which opened doors to car racing[7]. That same year, she represented Lebanon at the FIA Motorsport Games in Valencia, Spain, competing in the Karting Sprint Senior category[8].

She also participated in the inaugural Formula Woman Nations Cup in Dubai, racing in the Radical SR3 XXR category and continuing to build her reputation as Lebanon’s most promising female racing export[9]. During her third year at university, she showcased her skills in the Ultimate Karting Championship, balancing lecture halls with lap times[10].

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2019: Third place finish and first win in the Lebanese Karting Championship[11].
• 2024: Winner of the Formula Woman Middle East bootcamp[12].
• 2024: Represented Lebanon at the FIA Motorsport Games in Valencia, Spain in Karting Sprint Senior[13].
• 2024: Competed in the inaugural Formula Woman Nations Cup in Dubai[14].
• 2025: Podium finish on car racing debut at Brands Hatch in the Radical Club Challenge, Class C[15].
• 2025: Three podiums in first two weekends of Radical Club Challenge at Brands Hatch and Silverstone[16].
• 2025: Fourth podium finish at Snetterton in the Radical Club Challenge Championship[17].
• 2025: Third place finish in Class C championship standings with 89 points[18].

INSPIRATIONS

The research doesn’t reveal specific drivers or figures Stephanie looks up to, but her actions speak volumes. She’s carving a path where few Lebanese drivers—and even fewer women—have gone before. Her commitment to representing Lebanon on international stages suggests a deep pride in being a pioneer for her country’s motorsport scene.

REPUTATION

At just 22 years old, Stephanie is establishing herself as a trailblazer for Lebanese female motorsport[19]. She’s known for her adaptability and racecraft—essential qualities when competing in multi-class championships where traffic management is as important as outright pace[20]. Her ability to bounce back from adversity was on full display at Snetterton, where she overcame challenges to secure her fourth podium of the season[21].

Racing for DW Racing in the Radical SR1, she’s proven she belongs on track with the men, often being the only woman in her class. Her consistent podium finishes in her maiden car racing season have turned heads in British club racing circles. She proudly poses on podiums with her father, who’s been part of her racing journey—a touching reminder that even when you’re blazing trails, family support matters[22].

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Hobeika committed to the full 2025 Radical Club Challenge presented by 750 Motor Club season with DW Racing, her maiden car racing campaign[23]. Having already secured multiple podiums in the early rounds, she’s positioned herself as a serious contender in Class C. The goal is clear: continue developing her car racing skills while representing Lebanon on British circuits.

Balancing her final year of university with a full racing season is no small feat, but if her track record is any indication, she’ll make it work. Whether she’s in the engineering lab or the paddock, Stephanie’s proving that you don’t have to choose between brains and bravery—you can have both.

REFERENCES

[1] Stephanie Hobeika, Lebanese Rocket at Silverstone – This is Beirut
[2] Stephanie Hobeika: Driving Lebanon’s motorsport dreams forward – Racers Behind The Helmet
[3] Stephanie Hobeika: Driving Lebanon’s motorsport dreams forward – Racers Behind The Helmet
[4] DW Racing welcomes Lebanon’s Stephanie Hobeika – DW Racing
[5] Meet Stephanie, a Plant Quality Industrial Placement Student at Bentley – CareerMap
[6] Stephanie Hobeika, Lebanese Rocket at Silverstone – This is Beirut
[7] Podium finish for Stephanie Hobeika on first car racing weekend – Racers Behind The Helmet
[8] Auto – Stephanie Hobeika to Represent Lebanon at the Motorsport Games in Valencia – This is Beirut
[9] Stephanie Hobeika: Driving Lebanon’s motorsport dreams forward – Racers Behind The Helmet
[10] Stephanie Hobeika – DW Racing
[11] Stephanie Hobeika: Driving Lebanon’s motorsport dreams forward – Racers Behind The Helmet
[12] Podium finish for Stephanie Hobeika on first car racing weekend – Racers Behind The Helmet
[13] Auto – Stephanie Hobeika to Represent Lebanon at the Motorsport Games – This is Beirut
[14] Stephanie Hobeika: Driving Lebanon’s motorsport dreams forward – Racers Behind The Helmet
[15] DW Racing’s Stephanie Hobeika scales Radical Club Challenge podium on car racing debut – DW Racing
[16] DW Racing’s Hobeika extends podiums streak in taxing Silverstone weekend – Leveridge Promotions
[17] Stephanie Hobeika bounces back to secure podium finish at Snetterton – Racers Behind The Helmet
[18] Radical Club Challenge Final Round Race Report – Radical Motorsport
[19] Podium finish for Stephanie Hobeika on first car racing weekend – Racers Behind The Helmet
[20] Podium finish for Stephanie Hobeika on first car racing weekend – Racers Behind The Helmet
[21] Stephanie Hobeika bounces back to secure podium finish at Snetterton – Racers Behind The Helmet
[22] Stephanie Hobeika, Lebanese Rocket at Silverstone – This is Beirut
[23] Stephanie Hobeika – DW Racing