Sofia Zanfari is Morocco’s first female single-seater racing driver, blazing a trail in Formula 4 while juggling business school and showing the boys how it’s done at 225 km/h.

EARLY YEARS

Born October 21, 2006, Sofia Zanfari discovered karting in 2013 at the tender age of seven. Growing up in Morocco, she fell hard for racing—the kind of love affair that involves relentless training, family sacrifice, and the distinct realization that going fast in circles is actually a viable career path. Her brother, Suleiman Zanfari, also races (he competes in Eurocup-3), which means the Zanfari household probably has more helmets than most people have shoes. While her early karting years were spent in Morocco, Sofia competed across multiple countries including Italy, Austria, and Germany, racking up experience and proving she could hold her own against anyone stupid enough to underestimate her.

OTHER INTERESTS

When she’s not strapped into a race car, Sofia is pursuing a Bachelor in Business Administration at EM Lyon Business School—because apparently being a trailblazing racing driver wasn’t enough of a challenge. She’s also developing her own business, Z1 Buggy, based at the Pullman Mazagan Royal in Marrakech. So yes, she’s running a company, studying for exams, and racing professionally. The rest of us can barely manage our email inbox.

EARLY SUCCESS

Sofia’s karting career laid the foundation for what would become a historic leap into single-seaters. After years of competition across Europe, she made the bold move to Formula 4 in 2025, becoming the first Moroccan woman to compete in single-seater racing. That’s not just a personal milestone—it’s a national one. She joined the FFSA Academy to race in the French F4 Championship, and didn’t waste time making an impression. In her very first race at Nogaro, she secured a podium finish in the Female Trophy. At Magny-Cours during the fourth round, she climbed seven positions in just 16 laps to finish second in Race 1, avoiding chaos and proving she’s got the racecraft to match the speed. Then at Lédenon, the fifth round, she delivered a double podium performance that had people back home in Morocco losing their minds with pride.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2025: First Moroccan female driver to compete in single-seater racing[1].
• 2025: Podium finish in Female Trophy at Nogaro in her first F4 race[2].
• 2025: Second place finish in Race 1 at Magny-Cours, climbing seven positions[3].
• 2025: Double podium at Lédenon in the French F4 Championship[4].
• 2025: Competed as one of six female drivers in the French F4 Championship[5].

INSPIRATIONS

Sofia has cited Lewis Hamilton as a connection and inspiration in her racing journey, though the details remain focused on his championing of diversity and representation in motorsport—values she’s clearly living out every time she steps onto a grid dominated by men. Her faith also plays a role in keeping her grounded; as a Muslim woman in motorsport, she’s navigating spaces where she’s often the only one who looks like her or believes what she believes. That takes guts, discipline, and a mindset tougher than most people will ever need.

REPUTATION

She’s known for having “fire in her eyes”—a descriptor that’s both accurate and slightly terrifying if you’re racing against her. Described as ambitious, determined, and relentlessly hardworking, Sofia sets an example for young female drivers who are tired of being told what they can’t do. She’s not just breaking barriers; she’s doing it with style, smarts, and zero tolerance for excuses. Her ability to balance academics, business, and a demanding racing schedule shows a level of discipline that would make most people weep into their coffee. She’s fiercely proud to represent Morocco and isn’t afraid to remind everyone that passion and hard work trump doubt every single time.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Sofia is continuing her campaign in the 2025 French F4 Championship with the FFSA Academy, where she’s making it clear that her early podiums weren’t flukes. Her ambition extends beyond just competing—she wants to keep climbing the motorsport ladder, continue developing her business, and finish her degree. She’s proving you don’t have to choose between brains and speed; you can have both and make everyone else look lazy in the process.

REFERENCES

[1] Sofia Zanfari takes another step forward in Formula 4 – Kartcom
[2] First race and first F4 podium for Sofia Zanfari – Kartcom
[3] F4: Sofia Zanfari takes a podium finish in race 1 at Magny-Cours – KartXpress
[4] Double podium in F4 at Lédenon for Sofia Zanfari – Kartcom
[5] Morocco’s 18-year-old racer secures double podium in French F4 – Maghrebi
Meet the First Female Formula 4 Driver – Sofia Zanfari – YouTube
Sofia Zanfari Profile – Racing Years
Sofia Zanfari – Driver Database
Sofia Zanfari: a girl with fire in her eyes – Kartcom
Sofia Zanfari takes another step forward in formula 4 – MotorSportsData
Sofia Zanfari franchit une nouvelle étape en Formule 4
French F4: Lisa Billard and Sofia Zanfari share female class victories – Racers Behind the Helmet
2025 French F4 Championship – Wikipedia