Aiva Anagnostiadis is a 17-year-old Australian with a learners licence.
However, as one of the two inaugural Aussies on the grid in the all-female racing category, F1 Academy, she wants to be an example for other young girls who dream of driving fast.
Anagnostiadis and Joanne Ciconte will be on the grid when the F1 Academy begins in China later this month, for the first of seven rounds this season.
The F1 Academy began two seasons ago, aiming to create a pathway for more women to have a chance of competing in Formula 1 — something that has not happened for over 50 years.
Anagnostiadis will race for British outfit Hitech Grand Prix, having already competed internationally in Australian karting.
But the decision to become a racer came at the expense of her dancing, where Anagnostiadis competed at national championships as a junior.
“It was one weekend where it was the club championship … and I had to make qualifying to win the championship,” Anagnostiadis told ABC Sport.
“And then I had nationals in Queensland that night. I had to fly over on the red eye in the morning and I made qualifying by two minutes.
“I think [my parents] sat me down like, alright, you have to pick one now because we can’t keep doing this.”
Just a few years later, Anagnostiadis is part of a developing series under the F1 umbrella, as the category continues to enjoy huge popularity.
A massive crowd of 72,056 filed through the gates at Albert Park on Thursday, despite only the supporter series being on track.
There was also a huge representation of female fans, decked out in the colours of their favourite teams and drivers.
It is a popularity boon that Anagnostiadis says is funnelling down the F1 pyramid, increasing the visibility of young female drivers.
“I think we’re one of the only countries with a 50-50 male-female split in support here at the Grand Prix,” she said.
“So I think it’s great to see all the girls getting involved and actually following and backing not only boys, but like me and F1 Academy.
“I’ve had a couple of girls come up [to me]. I was actually a bit starstruck about it.”
The first round of the 2025 F1 Academy will be held when Formula 1 heads to China, from March 21-23.