As I’m writing out of my bedroom in Australia, I’ve decided to think about the type of people I’m drawn to in motorsport – who I look up to. So that’s exactly what this article is as we wait for some racing action in the coming week(s).
My aspirations have always been within motorsport, and I’ve always looked up to the drivers, as many of you reading this have. But who else can we look up to?
As a young girl, it was more of a male dominated industry, sometimes the only females you could often spot were the grid girls – and boy how times have changed!
Now young boys and girls have so many reputable people to look toward as a role model; to show them that no matter how big their dream is, they can do it too. This is something I’m so grateful for.
There are so many roles beyond being a driver. There are media roles, mechanic roles, engineering roles, marketing, and communication roles. With all of these, your love of motorsport can assist you with every career path available.
So let’s have a quick look at a variety of motorsport personnel who you can look up to!
Lewis Hamilton (37), an activist who stands for improving the world we have at our fingertips. This trendy guy is someone who uses his platform for the good; becoming the ultimate role model. The kindness he gives is immense, often using his voice where he can to help, raise awareness, and genuinely make a difference. On the track he’s relentless, but without that helmet and race car, he is caring and genuine. The perfect role model for people wanting to make a difference. He shows you how to speak up, persist, and go after what you want.
Sebastian Vettel (34), a loveable character with race fans, but an all-round great guy. Seb uses his voice to make a change, knowing his influence can help with matters – a way for people to get word of what’s happening in the world; an opening for change. Perfect example of this is when Vettel ran a women’s only kart race day in Saudi Arabia, December 2021. He stands strong with political issues such as women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, and global warming warnings / concerns. The German often subtly protests, showing his willingness to be an ally.
Simona De Silvestro (33), a strong and motivated woman who everyone can look to. She raced in the Australian category Supercars in 2017, becoming the first full-time female driver in the category. She made it clear back then that she wanted to be the role model for young girls and provide support – which she certainly did for Australian fans. It wasn’t an easy transition, the constant backlash from some becoming a whisper when it came to her showing people her skills. Simona was able to prove her worth, her talent solidifying that she belongs on a race track. The determination she exploited makes her a powerful role model, especially with the times we’re in as more women get involved in motorsport.
Charlotte Sefton is a communications worker in W Series. She is known from her long stint with McLaren’s Formula 1 team, and being seen with Land Norris (22), in the media pin after sessions. Charlotte is a well educated woman who is an excellent writer – something I admire greatly. Her experience in motorsport has been vast over the last eleven years, proving her to be a valuable role model for those interested in communication roles.
Romy Mayer is a data engineer at RedBull Ampol Racing who is from Germany – known as Jamie Whincup’s (39) secret weapon. She is a highly anticipated talent who has come onto the scene. She’s an ambassador for Girls On Track and Future Females. Her determination showcased in RedBull’s website article ‘Inspiring the female talent of tomorrow’, proving her to be a perfect candidate for those looking at being involved in the engineering department. Romy is someone who breaks the bias and shows young girls and boys that stigmas are there to be broken, and that dreams are there to be achieved.
Jessica Yates (38), is a journalist who is most known from her roles in NRL and Supercars Championship broadcasting. Her knowledge on sports has been developed through her career when she stepped into new gigs; but before this she had always been a highly articulated woman. Her career aligns with reporting – an interesting line of work. Jessica is a well known house-hold name across Australia, successful in what she does. She is determined, hard-working, career driven, and motivated to do the best she possibly can; something that is super praiseworthy.
There are so many more wonderful people involved who are worth the time idolising and looking up to world-wide. I would love to continue this article on every single personnel in a variety of categories, but I promised I’d keep these articles short where possible!
I hope this article showed you who to look towards for inspiration, motivation, and reassurance that you’re on the right path. I certainly enjoyed learning more about everyone and how they’re changing the world day by day. I feel so empowered to have these role models available to look at for guidance, as should you.
Until next time,
Tayla Talks ❤
Tayla Talks 
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