The road to F1 Academy

Shi's passion for racing was kindled during her childhood.

"When I was young, the only exposure I had to racing was through video games like Need for Speed. It planted a seed in my heart," she said.

But, the turning point came in 2020, when she first encountered a real Formula racing car on the track for the first time in Wuyi, Zhejiang province, the hometown of racing legend Xu Lang.

Despite some likening the car to a large go-kart, this unforgettable experience made her deep-seated dream of racing even clearer.

"At that moment, I thought to myself that one day I will step onto a real racing track," Shi recalled.

Years of outstanding performances have earned her the qualification to participate in the F1 Academy. Since its establishment in 2023, the F1 Academy has been committed to providing a pathway for female drivers to advance to higher-level competitions.

To prepare for the tournament, Shi is experiencing intense training at a circuit in Ningbo, Zhejiang province.

"I've put most of my work on hold for the past two months to focus on training," she said.

Her daily schedule is packed, including physical training, recovery sessions, track driving, simulator drills and studying racing theory.

"Racing is a sport that heavily tests your mental strength, requiring you to make the right decisions under extreme conditions," Shi explained, emphasizing the importance of psychological resilience.

She shared an experience where her coach deliberately provoked her during race to induce an emotional breakdown before continuing.

"This training taught me how to stay calm under extreme pressure," she reflected.

"I hope to showcase the results of my training during the race, and finish well," Shi said.

Following Shi's wild-card entry as China's first F1 Academy race participant, Zhou offered his congratulations: "I'm very happy to see motor sports gaining more fans in China, and I'm thrilled to see more women emerging in the motor sports industry, which is highly positive for the future of the entire sport."

Shi chose the number 24 as her car number, the same number Zhou once used. "It's a continuation of hope and strength!" She exclaimed.

Shi also incorporated Chinese elements into her racing suit design. "I added elements inspired by qipao dresses, blue-and-white porcelain, and traditional Chinese patterns. I want to bring the elegance and confidence of Chinese women to the track."