Grant relishes her ambassadorial role
Chloe Grant was one of four promising, young British drivers who contested the inaugural F1 Academy in 2023.
The 17-year-old from Perth, Scotland stepped up to the all-female championship with ART Grand Prix having started karting when just seven years old… and still too young to race. She then passed her ARDS test when aged just 13.
At the start of 2021, Chloe entered – and won – the Junior Saloon Car Championship (JSCC) Scholarship which awarded her with a first full season of car racing in the JSCC. Then, the following year, she switched to single-seaters contesting the GB4 Championship together with Jessica Edgar before both British racers stepped up to the F1 Academy at the start of this year.
Though one of the youngest and least experienced female drivers on the F1 Academy grid, with the enthusiastic support of Laser Tools, Chloe was a consistent points scorer. She posted no fewer than 10 top 10 finishes, completing the season in a commendable 12th place in the final standings, despite being forced to miss a couple of races.
“It was a dream come true – more so as it was the first year of the F1 Academy and I’m forever part of the original class of 2023,” revealed Grant. “I’m feel so lucky and I’m very, very grateful to F1 and F1 Academy for making it come true. I never dreamed of racing single-seaters let alone to be racing F4 cars abroad and then alongside Formula 1 in Austin, Texas – it’s been unbelievable.”
Adding to her delight, earlier this year Chloe also became a Girls on Track UK Ambassador. It’s an appointment she clearly relishes although, by her admission, she does find it hard to believe that she’s now something of an inspirational role model for younger female racers to look up to.
“It’s honestly not believable yet for me to think I was where they are not very long ago,” she says. “It’s a big responsibility to be in this position but it’s good as I enjoy it. Over the years I’ve been involved in motorsport, I’ve loved seeing all the other girls who are now into the sport and so passionate about it. The numbers have just grown massively and it’s an incredible thing to be part of. I’m happy to help as much as possible.”
As for the next chapter in her own competition career, as of yet Chloe has nothing confirmed for 2024. “As long as I’m in a racing car, I can’t be happier than that!” she grins.