At just 16 years old, Shriya Lohia is making waves in the world of motorsports. With over seven years of experience, she has competed in national and international karting championships, Formula 4, autocross, and drifting. In 2023, she became the first and youngest female racer to score points in the Indian Formula 4 Championship. With 120+ races, 30+ podiums, and 8+ awards, Shriya is on a mission to break barriers and become the first Indian female in Formula One.
At just 16, you have already carved a formidable path in F4, a domain traditionally dominated by men. How do you reconcile the dual challenge of excelling in a high-stakes, high-adrenaline sport while simultaneously dismantling entrenched gender paradigms within the industry?
Motorsport has traditionally been a male-dominated space, but I’ve always believed that performance speaks louder than perceptions. From the moment I stepped into a kart at the age of eight, my focus has been on developing my skills, refining my technique, and pushing my limits — irrespective of gender. While breaking stereotypes is important, my primary goal has always been to excel as a racer. By consistently performing on track, I hope to inspire more young girls to believe that motorsport is as much their arena as anyone else’s.
Motorsports demand not only razor-sharp reflexes and technical prowess but also an acute psychological fortitude. How do you cultivate mental resilience under the relentless pressures of high-speed competition, and what role does mindfulness or cognitive conditioning play in your training regimen?
Mental strength is as crucial as physical endurance in motorsport. I incorporate mindfulness practices such as visualization, breathing exercises, and meditation into my routine. Before each race, I mentally rehearse my braking points, overtaking maneuvers, and critical race scenarios. This helps me stay calm and focused when split-second decisions can define the race outcome. Cognitive conditioning is also a key part of my training — using simulation exercises and reaction drills to enhance my focus under pressure.
Your trajectory in F4 is an intricate interplay of precision engineering, aerodynamics, and human capability. How do you immerse yourself in the technical nuances of vehicle dynamics, telemetry analysis, and race strategy to elevate your performance on the track?
Understanding vehicle dynamics and telemetry analysis is vital for improving lap times. I work closely with my engineers to analyze data from each session — from tire temperatures and brake balance to throttle application and cornering speeds. This technical insight allows me to make better strategic decisions on track. Whether it’s adjusting my racing line or optimizing my braking zones, embracing the science behind racing has been crucial in improving my performance.
With motorsports rapidly evolving towards sustainability—Formula E, hybrid technologies, and carbon-neutral racing initiatives—where do you see the future of motorsports heading, and how do you envision your role in pioneering this transformation?
Motorsport is evolving rapidly with a strong focus on sustainability, and I believe this shift is crucial. Technologies like hybrid powertrains and carbon-neutral racing are shaping the sport’s future. As a young racer, I aim to adapt to these advancements while promoting environmentally conscious practices. I believe racers can play an active role in this transformation by embracing eco-friendly innovations and advocating for sustainable motorsport initiatives.
As an aspirant for Formula One, you are not only chasing podiums but also etching a legacy for the next generation of Indian female racers. How do you balance the weight of this aspiration with the pragmatism required to navigate the formidable logistical, financial, and infrastructural challenges that motorsports entail?
Chasing a career in Formula One requires not just talent, but also resilience in navigating financial and logistical challenges. Motorsport is resource-intensive, and securing sponsorships has been a key focus alongside my racing. With the right team, strategic planning, and support from partners who believe in my journey, I’ve been able to manage these challenges. My long-term vision includes creating more opportunities for aspiring racers — especially women — by sharing my experiences and inspiring a stronger presence for Indian talent on the global motorsport stage.
At 210 kmph, the margin for error is infinitesimal, and reaction times are measured in milliseconds. How do you train your neurocognitive reflexes to operate with such precision under extreme velocity, and what role does muscle memory play in executing high-speed maneuvers flawlessly?
Racing at 210 kmph requires razor-sharp reflexes and muscle memory. My training involves a combination of reaction drills, eye-tracking exercises, and simulated racing scenarios. I also focus on physical conditioning to improve my neck strength and core stability — essential for enduring G-forces. Muscle memory plays a huge role in executing maneuvers instinctively, allowing me to focus on race strategy without overthinking each movement.
Both Formula 4 racing and fighter jet piloting demand an extraordinary command over high-speed dynamics, split-second decision-making, and intense G-force endurance. As someone who has evolved from an eight-year-old karting novice to India’s youngest female F4 racer, how do you perceive the parallels between your journey and that of a test pilot, and what intrinsic qualities do you believe are essential to mastering velocity, precision, and control in such extreme domains?
I see strong parallels between racing and the mindset of a test pilot — both demand absolute precision, adaptability, and split-second decision-making. Just like a test pilot must trust their instincts under extreme conditions, I’ve learned to rely on my training, intuition, and technical understanding when making high-speed decisions. The ability to remain calm, read the car’s behavior, and push performance boundaries is crucial in both disciplines. Ultimately, success in motorsport is about mastering control — not just of the car, but of your mind and emotions as well.
