Saudi Arabia’s pioneering female racer, Reema Juffali, is set to make waves as the Wild Card entry at the F1 ACADEMY’s inaugural race in Jeddah. Juffali, who has been breaking barriers since her 2018 debut, is not just racing for glory but also inspiring a new generation in her homeland.
What we’re watching:
- Reema Juffali, the first Saudi female racing driver, is the Wild Card for the 2024 F1 ACADEMY series in Jeddah.
- Her racing career includes point-scoring finishes in the F4 British Championship and a class victory at the Dubai 24 Hours.
- Juffali’s presence in the F1 ACADEMY aims to inspire Saudi fans and increase local participation in motorsport.
- With her own team, Theeba Motorsport, she promotes educational opportunities and internships in racing.
Go deeper:
Reema Juffali’s journey from the TRD 86 Cup to the international circuits is nothing short of remarkable. In 2019, she became the first Saudi woman to race on home soil during the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY event. This move wasn’t just about competition; it was about shattering stereotypes and paving the way for future Saudi female racers.
Her switch to endurance racing in 2021 proved fruitful, with a podium finish in her class at the Dubai 24 Hours. Juffali’s determination to succeed on the track is matched by her commitment to fostering motorsport culture in Saudi Arabia. Through Theeba Motorsport, she has become a beacon of progress, promoting access to motorsport careers for Saudis.
The 2022 season saw Juffali clinch an international motor race win and a Vice Championship in the Pro-Am class of the International GT Open. Moreover, her pole position in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup was a historic double first – both as a female and as a Saudi driver.
Juffali’s Wild Card entry in the F1 ACADEMY is a testament to her skills and her role as a motorsport ambassador. Her participation is a powerful message that transcends the race itself. It’s about visibility and showing that with determination, barriers can be broken.
Her excitement about racing in her hometown of Jeddah is palpable. Juffali’s involvement in the F1 ACADEMY is more than just personal achievement; it’s a cultural milestone. As she aptly puts it, seeing is believing, and her visibility on the track is a catalyst for change, inspiring Saudis to dream big and chase those dreams with full throttle.
