NOTABLE INDIAN WOMEN IN MOTORSPORT
Motorsport has long been a male-dominated field—but over the years, several Indian women have broken barriers, refusing to be left behind. From rally racing to karting to circuit racing, these women are making their mark. Here’s a look at some of the most inspiring names in Indian motorsport.
1. Diana Pundole
Why she’s famous: Recently, Diana made history as the first Indian woman to race a Ferrari internationally, competing in the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East in a Ferrari 296 Challenge.
In 2024, she became the first Indian woman to win a national car racing championship — she clinched the MRF Saloon Cars title at the Madras International Circuit.
Her racing journey began in 2018 through the JK Tyre Women in Motorsport talent hunt.
She has raced on international tracks like Monza, Mugello, and the Dubai Autodrome, showing that Indian women can compete on the global stage.
Diana balances her life as a mother of two with her passion for racing — a true role model for ambition and resilience.
2. Aishwarya Pissay
Why she’s inspiring: Aishwarya is a two-wheeler racer—specialising in circuit racing, off-road, and rally—and holds multiple national and international titles.
She won the FIM Bajas World Cup in the women’s category, making her the first Indian motorsports athlete to win a world title.
On the national scene, she has seven FMSCI National titles, including six consecutive rally championship wins (INRC) from 2017 onwards.
She’s not just dominating on Indian terrain — she was the first Indian woman to compete in Baja Aragón, a tough rally held in Spain.
3. Bani Yadav
Why she stands out: Dr. Bani Yadav is one of India’s most experienced female rally drivers.
She’s won major cross-country rally titles in India, even when competing in women-only categories, and has been a strong advocate for gender equality in motorsport.
Notably, she is among the first Indian women to drive Formula 4 cars outside India, at the Abu Dhabi Yas Marina Circuit.
Her story is even more inspiring because she started rallying seriously later in life and overcame a serious back injury to come back strong.
4. Sneha Sharma
Her claim to fame: Sneha is both a racing driver and an airline pilot — quite a combination!
She started karting very young, and by her late teens, she was racing in national-level championships like the JK Tyre National Racing Championship.
Beyond racing, she’s known for breaking stereotypes — showing that women can thrive in high-speed motorsport as well as in the skies.
5. Atiqa Mir
Youngest rising star: Atiqa Mir (born in 2014 in Srinagar) is a kart racer who’s already making big waves.
She became the first Indian and Asian female racer selected for the Formula 1 Academy’s “Discover Your Drive” development programme.
In karting, she’s not just participating — she’s winning: she took vice-champion in the UAE IAME National Championship and podium finishes in international kart events.
Why their stories matter
These women are more than just racers — they are icons of change. Here’s why their journeys are powerful:
Breaking Barriers: From circuit racing to rallying and karting, they show that motorsport is not just a “men’s game.”
Inspiring the Next Generation: Young girls looking at them see possibilities. If Diana can race a Ferrari internationally, why can’t they?
Building Ecosystems: Their success helps create more visibility, support, sponsorship, and infrastructure for women in Indian motorsport.
Changing Mindsets: In a country where motorsports is still niche, each win, each milestone challenges gender stereotypes.
Final Thoughts
From Diana Pundole’s historic Ferrari race to Aishwarya Pissay’s world titles and Atiqa Mir’s karting brilliance, Indian women in motorsport are writing a new chapter. Their stories teach us about passion, perseverance, and the courage to race against the odds.
Motorsport in India is changing — fast — and these women are in the driver’s seat.
