Ferrari's Alba Larsen is Just Getting Started

Three months ago, ahead of the first race of the F1 Academy season in Shanghai, we sat down with Ferrari racing driver Alba Larsen to find out how the 17-year-old has been making waves, both on and off the track.

Three race weekends and one Tatler cover later, we caught up with the G.I.R.L. founder at the Ferrari Style flagship store in London.

The Paddock Journal: What are some things that are currently inspiring you?

Alba Larsen: Women’s sports in general and speed, I’m chasing to go faster and chasing to have faster lap times. Wanting to get better as a driver, wanting to become better. And my family, my team, my close family and my team with Ferrari. All of these people inspire me to work hard.

TPJ: What are three lessons that you’ve learnt since we last spoke?

AL: I think I have more than three! Since we spoke in Shanghai, I have learned to get back up, you know, when there is a setback. To keep going, to keep working hard, to keep trusting the process. Because the setback is only for a little while, but you have to keep moving forward, you know?

I’ve also learned to take time to recover. It’s so important to take your sleep and nutrition into consideration, especially sleep. My collaboration with Whoop has taught me a lot in terms of how important sleep and nutrition are. I’m trying to get at least eight hours of sleep every night!

But I’m learning small things all the time. Like, sometimes, taking one step back is actually taking two steps forward. Sometimes you have to take a step back to see something from a bigger perspective and not beat yourself up when things don’t go to plan.

TPJ: What are some milestones that you want to hit with G.I.R.L in the near future?

AL: I want to see the number of girls attending events to get even higher. I mean, we have quite a few events now, but I want to see us putting on more and seeing even more girls attending. I want to see more girls inspired globally so that every time I race at a location, there is also a G.I.R.L event taking place.

I also want to see more girls inspired and having their confidence boosted. I’d love to see one of our girls joining F1 Academy, but obviously that will take a few years because G.I.R.L is at the start of their journey; we are inviting them to try motorsport for the very first time.

But for me, it’s not even about the drivers; it’s also about hopefully seeing us inspire a female mechanic someday. Maybe she didn’t think she could ever be in racing, and then she comes to a G.I.R.L event and finds out that, actually, she belongs here and finds the confidence to go out and try hard to achieve her goals.

TPJ: What are some of your favourite pieces from the Ferrari Style collection?

AL: Honestly, I love the leather jackets. I really love the red one! I also love their sunglasses, these ones specifically [the wrap-around ones worn in photos] because they make me feel so speedy and cool! I also love their denim set with the balloon pants - I tried it on the last time I was here, and it’s amazing!

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