Mumbai’s Aashi Hanspal burst onto India’s motorsports scene with five podium finishes in her rookie karting year, then caught global attention when she was shortlisted as one of just 20 young women worldwide for the prestigious FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars program—putting her in the running to become Ferrari’s first-ever female Formula 4 driver.

EARLY YEARS

Growing up in Wadala, north central Mumbai, Aashi had motorsports practically at her doorstep. Her father, Raunak Singh, a banker with a passion for karting, often spent time at the Ajmera IndiKarting track—conveniently located next door to their home. It was only natural that his daughter would eventually wander over to see what all the fuss was about.[1][2]

In early 2019, at age 12, she joined Rayo Racing Academy and began training at that same track in Mumbai.[3] The transition from curious kid to committed racer happened fast. Her coach, Saurav Bandyopadhyay—an accomplished kart and car racer himself—and mentor Rayomand Banajee, an eight-time national karting and car racing champion, recognized her natural talent immediately.[4][5] To sharpen her skills, Aashi made multiple trips to MECO Kartopia in Bangalore, racking up track time despite the logistical challenges.[6]

By then, she was a student at Bombay Scottish School, balancing textbooks with throttle control—a juggling act that would define her teenage years.[3]

OTHER INTERESTS

Beyond racing, Aashi has maintained her commitment to academics, progressing through grades while competing nationally and internationally. As of recent reports, she was in grade 11, managing schoolwork alongside an increasingly demanding racing schedule.[3] She’s also become an advocate for women in motorsports, speaking at events like TEDxKanke about breaking barriers in a male-dominated field.[7] Her Instagram presence reflects a young woman comfortable in her own skin—unapologetically fierce on track, grounded off it.

EARLY SUCCESS

Aashi’s rookie year in 2019 was nothing short of spectacular. Competing in the JK Tyre FMSCI National Karting Championship, she recorded four—some sources say five—podium finishes, consistently beating talented male competitors.[8][9] On December 22, 2019, during the championship’s final round, she finished first with a record timing of 10:57.406 minutes.[10] The accomplishment earned her recognition as the FMSCI’s Outstanding Woman in Motorsports for 2019—a title that carried weight beyond the trophy itself.[10]

In an interview, she summed up the prevailing attitude she faced: “No one expects a girl to race!”[11] But she wasn’t looking for permission. She was too busy proving them wrong.

Her performances caught the eye of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), motorsport’s global governing body. In mid-2020, at just 13 years old, Aashi was shortlisted for the FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars program—one of 20 young women selected from 70 entries across five continents, spanning the 12-16 age group.[12][13] The program, designed to identify and develop future female stars in single-seater racing, put her on a path toward the Ferrari Driver Academy and a potential seat in Formula 4.[14] She was named “Most Deserving and Impressive New Driver” within the program—a distinction that underscored her rapid ascent.[15]

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2019: Four podium finishes in JK Tyre FMSCI National Karting Championship, beating numerous male competitors.[8][9]
• 2019: First place finish with record timing of 10:57.406 minutes in final round of JK Tyre FMSCI National Karting Championship on December 22.[10]
• 2019: Honored by FMSCI as Outstanding Woman in Motorsports.[10]
• 2020: Selected for FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars program, one of 20 worldwide from 70 entries.[12][13]
• 2020: Named “Most Deserving and Impressive New Driver” in FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars program.[15]
• 2020: Multiple podium finishes at Ajmera IndiKarting Clash of Karts.[16]
• 2020s: Created record at 24-Hour Dubai Endurance Karting Championship in Dubai’s Motorcity with two podium finishes.[17]
• Mid-2022: Graduated to car racing and began testing Formula 4 single-seat cars.[18]
• 2023: Competed in JK Tyre FMSCI National Racing Championship and MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship.[19][20]
• 2020s: Secured victories in both Ladies’ Open class and 1451cc to 1650cc category at Speedverse Tarmac Autocross V2.0.[21]

INSPIRATIONS

Aashi credits her father, Raunak Singh, not just for introducing her to karting, but for supporting her dream even as the financial realities of racing became apparent. As a banker, he understood the investment required—and the sponsorship hunt that would inevitably follow.[11] Her coach Saurav Bandyopadhyay and mentor Rayomand Banajee provided technical guidance and strategic direction, shaping her approach both on and off the track.[4][5]

The FIA’s initiative itself served as inspiration, showing her that pathways existed for women willing to fight for them. The program demonstrated institutional support for female racers—a rare and valuable signal in a sport still grappling with gender disparity.

REPUTATION

Within India’s motorsports community, Aashi is regarded as a teenage prodigy who made a “dramatic entrance” into national racing.[11] Her ability to secure podiums in her first competitive year—while still in middle school—set her apart. Internationally, her selection for the FIA program positioned her as one of the most promising young female racers from Asia.

She’s become a vocal advocate for women in motorsports, challenging the notion that speed is a boys’ club. Her TEDx talk and public statements reflect someone who understands that her success isn’t just personal—it’s also political, in the best sense. Every lap she completes, every podium she claims, chips away at outdated assumptions about who belongs behind the wheel.[7]

Representing Team MSPORT and having transitioned to car racing, she’s viewed as part of a new generation of Indian racers who could compete internationally—if the funding and opportunities align.[7][22]

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Aashi’s stated vision is ambitious: continuous advancement through the racing ranks, with her sights set on Formula 1 and series like W-Series.[7][23] She’s made it clear that the FIA Girls on Track selection was “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” and “another step closer to my F1 dream.”[24] Currently honing her skills in Formula 4 single-seat cars, she aims to fly the Indian flag at motorsport’s highest levels.[7][23]

The path forward requires significant sponsorship—something her father has openly acknowledged—but Aashi’s trajectory suggests she’s more than capable of delivering results if the resources materialize.[11] Her focus remains on building experience, improving lap times, and carving out a professional racing career in a field that has historically excluded women.[15]

REFERENCES

[1] Rediff.com – Aashi Hanspal: ‘No one expects a girl to race!’

[2] Bangalore Mirror – Speed thrills this girl

[3] Aashi Hanspal Official Website – Know Me

[4] IssueWire – Aashi Hanspal: FMSCI Honours 13 years old driver

[5] Bangalore Mirror – Speed thrills this girl (Coach & Mentor Reference)

[6] SJFI – Aashi Hanspal named in FIA’s worldwide rising stars programme

[7] YouTube – Rising Star in Motorsports | Aashi Hanspal | TEDxKanke

[8] SJFI – Aashi Hanspal named in FIA’s worldwide rising stars programme (Podium Finishes)

[9] Rediff.com – Five podium finishes in rookie year

[10] IssueWire – Record timing and FMSCI honor

[11] Rediff.com – ‘No one expects a girl to race!’ (Full Interview)

[12] Hindustan Times – Teenage racer Aashi Hanspal selected for ambitious FIA project

[13] Autocar India – Mumbai’s Aashi Hanspal shortlisted for FIA Girls on Track

[14] Evo India – Aashi Hanspal selected for FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars Project

[15] The Live Nagpur – Mumbai’s Aashi Hanspal named Most Deserving and Impressive New Driver

[16] Soumil Arora – Ajmera IndiKarting Clash of Karts

[17] Evo India – Aashi Hanspal grabs two podiums at Dubai Endurance Karting Championship

[18] Aashi Hanspal Official Website – Formula 4 Transition

[19] Aashi Hanspal Official Website – Racing Results

[20] MRF Motorsport – MMSC National Car Racing Championship 2023

[21] Autocar India – Sheth, Hanspal win at Speedverse Tarmac Autocross V2.0

[22] YouTube – TEDxKanke (Team MSPORT Reference)

[23] YouTube – TEDxKanke (W-Series and Indian Flag Goals)

[24] Times of India – Once in a lifetime opportunity, says Aashi Hanspal