Amna Al Qubaisi
Formula racing // American
This race win to me means everything, but for my family and my country I am happy to raise their flag and hear their national anthem played in a different track.
Amna Al Qubaisi is a pioneering Emirati racing driver who broke barriers as the first Arab woman to compete in prestigious motorsport championships, paving the way for female racers from the Middle East.
EARLY YEARS
Born on March 28, 2000, in Washington, Virginia, USA, Amna grew up in a “motorsport-mad household” with her father Khaled Al Qubaisi, who was the first Emirati to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. At age 14 in 2014, she expressed her desire to start racing, receiving coaching from her father in karting. By 2017, she became the first Arab girl to participate in the UAE Rotax Max Challenge championship in karting, setting the foundation for her racing career.
EARLY SUCCESS
In 2018, Amna made her debut in single-seater racing by joining the Italian Formula 4 Championship with Prema Racing, becoming the first female Emirati driver to compete at this level. That same year, she participated in a groundbreaking Formula E test session with Envision Virgin Racing in Saudi Arabia, following the lifting of the driving ban for women in the country. These early opportunities showcased her talent and determination to succeed in a male-dominated sport.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2017: Became the first woman to win the GCC Drivers Academy competition[1].
- 2018: First female Emirati driver to compete in the Italian Formula 4 Championship with Prema Racing[1].
- 2018: Participated in Formula E test session with Envision Virgin Racing in Saudi Arabia[1].
- 2022: Competed in the Barcelona round of the Formula Regional European Championship with Prema Racing[1].
- 2023: Secured two wins in the F1 Academy championship with MP Motorsport, finishing sixth in the driver standings[1][4].
- 2023: Became one of the first race winners in F1 Academy history with a victory at the Red Bull Ring[2].
- 2024: Continued with MP Motorsport in F1 Academy, backed by the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula One Team[1][4].
REPUTATION
As a trailblazer for Arab women in motorsport, Amna has earned recognition as both a talented driver and an influential role model. Her determination to succeed in a sport with limited female participation has inspired countless young women across the Middle East and beyond. Racing alongside her sister Hamda, who is also a professional driver, the Al Qubaisi sisters have become symbols of progress in breaking gender barriers in motorsports, particularly in regions where women’s participation in sports has traditionally been limited.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
Following her two seasons in the F1 Academy, Amna aims to advance to the FIA Formula 3 championship as the next significant step in her career trajectory. While specific plans for 2025 are not currently confirmed, her continued involvement with the Red Bull Academy Programme signals her commitment to progressing through the motorsport ranks. Beyond her personal achievements, she remains dedicated to inspiring young women and girls in the Middle East to pursue careers in motorsports.
References:
Amna Al Qubaisi Racing Driver Interview
Amna Al Qubaisi says focus is on driving, not experience as field adapt to
First female Emirati F3 driver Amna Al Qubaisi shares her dreams and thoughts on racing
Yas Heat drivers Amna and Hamda Al Qubaisi set to join F1 Academy with MP Motorsport in 2023
Amna Al Qubaisi – Wikipedia
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