Introduction

In the fast-paced world of go-kart racing, few can match the tenacity and talent of 14-year-old Kareen Kaur from Singapore. Racing at speeds of up to 120 km/h, Kareen has quickly established herself as a standout in a predominantly male sport, all while dreaming of one day competing in the all-women F1 Academy.

A Harrowing Experience

One of the most harrowing moments of Kareen's early career occurred during the ROK Cup Super Finals in Italy in October 2023. While in a practice session, a competitor's kart collided with hers, resulting in a terrifying crash that left her blacked out after hitting a barrier. Her father, Kuldeep Singh, faced an agonizing wait of over half an hour to see that his daughter was safe, while her mother, Kiranjit Kaur, anxiously followed updates from Singapore.

Fortunately, Kareen emerged with only minor injuries—a few bruises, abrasions, and a bandaged wrist—but shockingly, she returned to the karting track the very next day, racing despite needing to drive primarily with her left hand. "I was nervous, but my love for racing pushed me to continue," she recalled. This indomitable spirit is precisely what has made her a promising driver for the 29R Racing Development team, with aspirations of not just representing Singapore but winning big in Formula racing.

Achievements in Karting

Among a handful of female karters in Singapore, Kareen's achievements speak volumes. She finished fourth overall in the junior category of the ROK Cup Singapore 2024 Championship, securing the title of the top female driver, and secured second place in the first round of the ROK Cup Malaysia in June, setting her on a positive trajectory.

The Beginning of a Journey

Kareen’s fascination with motorsports started at a tender age; frequent visits to car showrooms with her father, an avid sports car enthusiast, sparked her love for speed. Her karting adventure began at just nine years old, after an enticing encounter at Turf City, where she decided to take the plunge and test her skills on the track. Kuldeep was stunned by her natural ability—she intuitively knew how to maneuver the brakes and accelerator without any guidance.

Balancing Life and Racing

For Kareen, racing is more than just a passion; it defines who she is. "I enjoyed the speed and the adrenaline rush... I can’t imagine not racing," she declared. Balancing her education at Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ) Secondary School with academics and netball, Kareen manages an intense schedule filled with gym sessions, netball training, and kart practice.

Future Aspirations and Challenges

Realizing the limited opportunities for professional growth in Singapore, her family is preparing to relocate her to Italy after she completes her O levels in 2026. This significant move aims to immerse her in a more competitive racing environment, something that her father believes is crucial for her success. "It’s a difficult decision," Kuldeep admitted, "but Kareen knows what she wants."

Making Waves in Europe

As she continues racing in Europe, Kareen has made waves in the Champions of the Future series organized by the F1 Academy in Spain and Italy, with more races lined up in the UAE. This initiative, launched by Formula One in 2023, aims to nurture young female drivers and offer them pathways to advance in motorsports.

Support and Encouragement

A meeting with an F1 Academy representative during the recent Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix provided her with encouragement and affirmation that she’s headed in the right direction. While her parents occasionally question the demanding path she's chosen, they recognize her relentless dedication to improve and prove herself. Kiranjit explained, "All this has made her a stronger driver. She’s chasing her dream with passion."

A Bright Future Ahead

Seah Cheong Hock, vice-president of Motor Sports Singapore (MSS) for karting, expressed optimism about Kareen's journey and emphasized the need for more female participation in the sport. "MSS is here to support her progress and guide her on the competition pathways to achieving her goals," he said.

Conclusion

With her eyes set on the Marina Bay Circuit and beyond, Kareen Kaur stands as an inspirational figure for aspiring female racers everywhere. Will we witness her cross the finish line as a champion in Formula One someday? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Kareen is on the fast track to success!