Rafaela Ferreira

Formula racing // Brazilian

Today was an emotional day. I couldn’t hold back the tears and cried throughout the entire grid formation, because I knew this was my last race with the team.

Rafaela's Socials:

Rafaela's Sponsors

(let them know Rafaela sent you)

nickname:

Fafa

Birthday:

April 18, 2005 (20)

Birthplace:

Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil

racing type:

Formula racing

team(s):

F1 Academy 2025

racing status:

Pro

height (cm):

163

residence:

Brazil

inspiration(s):

Rafaela Ferreira's father.

guilty pLEASURES:

FOLLOWING:

GRRL! Number:

GRRL-0195

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profile updated: June 12, 2025

Rafaela Ferreira is a groundbreaking Brazilian motorsport driver who made history as the first woman to win races in the F4 Brazilian Championship, paving the way for her advancement to the F1 Academy for 2025.

EARLY YEARS

Inspired by her father, who raced and built karts, Rafaela began her racing journey at just eight years old. Her father played a crucial role in shaping her interest in motorsports, introducing her to karting which laid the foundation for her future achievements.

EARLY SUCCESS

Ferreira quickly made a name for herself in Brazilian karting, becoming the first woman to score a pole position in the 2022 Copa Brasil de Kart in the F4 Graduated category. Her transition to single-seaters in 2023 continued her trailblazing path as she became the first woman to reach the podium in the F4 Brazilian Championship with a third-place finish at the Interlagos circuit.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

2022: Became the first woman to secure pole position in the Copa Brasil de Kart in the F4 Graduated category[1].
2023: First woman to reach the podium in the F4 Brazilian Championship, claiming a third-place finish at Interlagos[1].
2024: Made history as the first woman to win a race in the Brazilian F4 championship, securing victory from pole position at the Velocittà Circuit in Mogi-Guaçu[4].
2024: Secured two pole positions and stood on the podium in at least one race of every round, a feat never achieved by a female driver before[2].
2024: Recorded a total of three wins, two poles, and seven additional podiums in the F4 Brazil championship[3].

REPUTATION

The 19-year-old Brazilian has earned a reputation as a pioneering force in motorsports, breaking gender barriers with her historic victories and consistent performances. Her groundbreaking achievements in karting and the F4 Brazilian Championship have established her as an inspirational figure for aspiring female racers. Rafaela’s ability to regularly secure podium finishes and challenge for wins has garnered respect throughout the racing community, highlighting her exceptional skill and determination in a traditionally male-dominated sport.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

For 2025, Ferreira has secured a significant career advancement by joining the Visa Cash App RB Academy Programme to compete in the F1 Academy season. This partnership with Red Bull’s development program aims to help her compete against top talent and gain invaluable experience at a higher level of competition. She has expressed determination to achieve great results with her new team, with aspirations to continue rising through the global motorsport ranks.