Aashi Hanspal
Formula racing // Mumbai, India
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Aashi Hanspal blazed from Mumbai karting prodigy to Formula-4 contender, becoming the first Indian woman in FIA Girls on Track Rising Stars’ final 20 and snagging four podiums.
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I will cherish this experience all my life. I have come back with great memories, a fabulous racing experience and valuable exposure to the sport… I hope to improve over the years and carve out a career for myself in racing and make India proud
The next time a girl comes here doesn’t say that it’s tough to find sponsorship in India because racing will be a bigger thing in the next few years, and I will make sure of it
even I did [face challenges]. But it’s important to get back up and remember there’s always something better coming your way and everything happens for a reason
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Aashi Hanspal is a rising Indian motorsports talent from Mumbai who has rapidly progressed from karting prodigy to Formula-4 contender, becoming the first and only Indian woman selected for the FIA Girls on Track Rising Stars program’s final 20.
EARLY YEARS
Born around 2007 in Mumbai, Aashi entered the motorsports world in early 2019 at age 12 when she joined Rayo Racing Academy at Ajmera’s Indikarting Circuit. Growing up in Mumbai provided her early access to karting facilities, and her family’s support allowed her to pursue what would quickly become a serious racing career. By 2022, she was balancing her racing ambitions with grade 11 studies at Bombay Scottish School.
OTHER INTERESTS
Outside of racing, Aashi is a devoted Formula 1 fan who follows Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris, supporting Ferrari and McLaren. She’s passionate about advocacy work, particularly focused on inspiring other women to break into motorsports and elevating India’s presence in international racing. Her commitment extends beyond personal achievement to mentoring by example and changing perceptions about women in the sport.
EARLY SUCCESS
Aashi’s talent was evident from her maiden karting season in 2019, when she secured five podium finishes including four in the JK Tyre FMSCI National Karting Championship. Under the coaching of Rayomand Banajee, an 8-time Indian national car racing champion, she rapidly developed her skills on national circuits. Her breakthrough came in 2020 when she became the first and only Indian woman among the final Top-20 selected for the FIA Girls on Track Rising Stars program, competing at the prestigious Paul Ricard Circuit in France.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2019: Four podium finishes in JK Tyre FMSCI National Karting Championship during maiden season[1].
- 2020: Selected as first and only Indian woman among final Top-20 in FIA Girls on Track Rising Stars program[3].
- 2020: Named ‘Most Deserving and Impressive New Driver’ in FIA Girls on Track Rising Stars program[1].
- 2020: Awarded Outstanding Women in Motorsport Award by FMSCI[1].
- 2022: Successfully transitioned from karting to Formula-4 car racing[2].
INSPIRATIONS
Aashi draws inspiration from Formula 1 drivers Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris, admiring their racing styles and career trajectories. Ferrari and McLaren serve as her favorite teams, representing the pinnacle of motorsports excellence she aspires to reach. The FIA Girls on Track Rising Stars program and global female motorsports pioneers have also shaped her perspective on what’s possible for women in racing. Her early mentor Rayomand Banajee provided crucial guidance during her formative karting years.
REPUTATION
The motorsports community regards Aashi as a promising young talent and strong female contender, with praise from FMSCI and the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission for her rapid progression. Media coverage consistently portrays her as a barrier-breaker inspiring young female racers across India. Coaches and officials who worked with her during the FIA Rising Stars shootout have commended her talent and dedication. She’s become a vocal advocate for women’s participation in Indian motorsports, actively working to change perceptions and create opportunities for the next generation.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
Aashi’s sights are set on competing in prestigious Formula Racing Series and the W-Series, representing India on the international stage. Currently racing for Team MSPORT and training at MECO Motorsports Academy, she’s focused on securing sponsorship backing to support her progression through the formula racing ladder. Her mission extends beyond personal achievement—she’s determined to ensure that the next generation of female racers in India won’t face the same sponsorship challenges, stating her commitment to making racing “a bigger thing in the next few years.”
References:
[1] Times of India, Oct 21, 2020
[2] Official website aashihanspal.com, Nov 19, 2022
[3] Hindustan Times, Jun 28, 2020
[4] TEDx Talk video, Dec 9, 2024
[5] Instagram profile @aashi.hanspal
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