At just 25 years old, Salva Marjan is on the verge of making history as the first female F1 racer from India. Born in Kozhikode, Kerala, Marjan's journey to the pinnacle of motorsport is nothing short of inspiring. Her possible entry into the Formula 1 Academy, hosted by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) in January 2025, represents a major breakthrough in her career and a pivotal moment for Indian motorsports.

Early Fascination with Racing Legends

Marjan’s love for racing began at a young age. As a child, she was captivated by the feats of legendary drivers like Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton. Their prowess on the track fueled her passion and determination to pursue a career in motorsports. "As a female athlete, I am particularly motivated to challenge the norms and make a significant impact in a field that has historically been male-dominated"  Marjan shared on her official website.

Marjan officially started her racing career in 2017. She began by competing in Formula LGB Racing in India, a single-seater, open-wheel class that served as her entry point into professional racing. In 2023, she advanced to the F4 Indian Championship and the F4 UAE Championship, both certified by the FIA. Her performance on the F4 circuit was exceptional—completing 150 laps and succeeding in 119 of them, solidifying her reputation as one of the top drivers in the category.

Overcoming Challenges on the Road to Success

Marjan’s journey has been anything but smooth. Her passion for racing was initially kept secret from her parents, who were unaware of her training until she revealed videos of herself on the track. While her family has been supportive, they faced criticism from their community. “They were lectured on how to bring up girls, how girls were not supposed to take up such risks or be so independent,” Marjan recalled in an interview with The Hindu. Despite societal pressures, her parents never imposed limits based on gender, allowing Marjan to chase her dreams.

The financial burden of training in motorsports was another significant hurdle. F4 training is notoriously expensive, and Marjan had to put her dreams on hold temporarily. However, her determination never wavered. She took on multiple jobs and even ventured into entrepreneurship to fund her training.

The Physical Demands of Motorsports

Racing is a physically demanding sport, and Marjan is acutely aware of the challenges it presents, especially for women. “Our body types, functions, and energy levels are different. It makes a difference in the endurance capacity,” she explained in an interview with The Economic Times. Inside a racing car, the temperature often soars to 40 degrees Celsius, with braking pressures in curves requiring 60 to 100 kilograms of force. The intense conditions can cause a racer to lose up to 4 kilograms of body weight during a race. Marjan likened the physical demands of racing to those of a fighter pilot, where quick reflexes and peak physical condition are essential.

Racing Toward Her Ultimate Goal

Currently, Marjan is the brand ambassador for Next Level Racing, a brand that partially sponsors her training expenses. Her ultimate goal is to represent India in formula racing at the highest levels, progressing from F4 to F3, F2, and eventually F1.She is determined to break barriers and  inspire future generations of female racers.

If Marjan qualifies for the F1 Academy, she won’t have to worry about sponsorships. The FIA has a policy of supporting women racers, which would provide her with the necessary backing to compete on the global stage. The motorsport world is structured in tiers, with F1 being the highest and most prestigious, followed by F2, F3, and F4. F1 is known for having the fastest and most expensive cars, while F4 serves as the entry-level series for aspiring drivers.

As Salva Marjan’s story serves as an inspiration not only to aspiring racers but to all who dare to dream big and defy the odds.