SOPHIA FLOERSCH Ditches Euro Politics for Indy NXT Racing Freedom at HMD

February 23, 2025

by Jeroen Demmendaal // from feederseries.net

GRRL! SUMMARY:

SOPHIA FLOERSCH has officially jumped ship from the European Formula 3 scene to join HMD Motorsports’ nine-car Indy NXT squad for 2025, and she’s not holding back about why. The 24-year-old German driver cited the suffocating “political decisions” plaguing European racing and praised the American paddock’s openness where teams actually work alongside each other instead of scheming behind closed doors. After three years grinding through F3 with Alpine Academy backing, she’s ready for what she calls “pure racing” where the sport stays in focus.
Her pre-season testing already shows promise – FLOERSCH clocked fourth-fastest in morning sessions at Sebring among 20 drivers, proving the transition from Pirelli to Firestone tires suits her aggressive driving style. She’s particularly excited about being able to push the limits and slide the car to find pace, something the easily-damaged Pirellis never allowed. The technical similarities between F3 and Indy NXT, both using Dallara chassis, should smooth her learning curve as she tackles her first oval races at Gateway, Iowa, Milwaukee and Nashville.
True to form, FLOERSCH shut down any attempt to frame her move as representing women in racing, stating bluntly “I don’t want to be treated like a female racing driver. I’m just a racing driver.” This aligns with her long-standing rejection of segregated series like W Series and F1 Academy, which she’s dismissed as ineffective gimmicks. The American racing scene’s track record with competitive female drivers like Danica Patrick and JAMIE CHADWICK’s recent Indy NXT race win proves it’s a place where talent gets recognized regardless of gender politics.