At just 25, Salva Marjan will become the first Indian woman to race at the prestigious Formula 1 Academy, a female-only, junior-level single-seater racing championship founded by Formula One.
The Kerala native is currently training in the United Arab Emirates and will start the races in January.
According to Indian media reports, Salva’s passion for racing was sparked at a young age, inspired by legends such as Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton.
Despite hailing from a small place – Perambra in Kozhikode district – her ambition was supported by her traditional Muslim family.
But the path was not without challenges. Financial constraints and societal expectations were constant hurdles. Yet, her parents, who never imposed gender-based limits, stood firmly by her side.
“They were lectured on how to bring up girls, how girls were not supposed to take up such risks or be so independent. But my parents never set any limits for me,” Salva told The Hindu.
“From an early age, I have been driven, self-confident and fully dedicated to honing my skills and taking my career to new heights.”
Salva began her racing career in 2017 by competing in the Formula LGB Racing in India – a single seater, open wheel class. She then participated in the F4 Indian Championship and the F4 UAE Championship in 2023.
Her good performances earned her a place in the Formula 1 Academy.
Salva acknowledged the emotional and physical toll high-level racing has taken on her.
“You have to know yourself,” she said. “I have been through a lot of ups and downs. Living your dream is a challenge, but I still believe in myself. Those who never try are the ones who fail.”
The expensive nature of F4 training held back Salva for a while, but she worked several jobs and even became an entrepreneur to save enough money for those high-intensity sessions.
She is currently the brand ambassador for Next Level Racing, which partially sponsors her training expenses.
“Representing my country in formula racing is my ultimate goal, and I am determined to compete at the highest levels, from F4 and F3 to F2 and, eventually, F1,” she said on her official website.
“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.”
If Salva qualifies from the F1 Academy, she will not have to worry about sponsorship as the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, the governing body of motor sport, has a policy of supporting women racers.
