Joanne Ciconte, a 16-year-old Australian racing prodigy, is on an ambitious path to become the country’s first female Formula 1 driver.

The young athlete began her journey in motorsports at the age of nine, starting with go-kart racing before transitioning to control racing cars that can reach speeds of 245 km/h on straight tracks and between 160-170 km/h on circuits.

Remarkably, Ciconte has not yet driven a car on public roads.

Ciconte is among the latest entrants to the F1 Academy, a female-only racing series established to enhance accessibility and promote diversity within motorsport.

In expressing her excitement about joining the academy, Ciconte remarked, "To get the news, it is so sudden and sort of unexpected...

I can't explain how many emotions came over to me.

I'm just so happy to be in the grid of F1 Academy and have the Australian flag next to my name."

Currently back in Melbourne for the Formula One Grand Prix, Ciconte expressed pride in supporting Australian drivers.

She competes alongside another Australian teenager, 17-year-old Aiva Anagnostiadis.

Both aspire to represent Australia well in an upcoming international seven-race series set to commence in China next week, where they will be racing in Formula 4-level cars.

Ciconte's interest in racing is deeply rooted in her family's motorsports passion.

Her early experiences included attending races to cheer on her younger brother, which instilled a desire in her to pursue her own racing career.

"If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be where I am now," Ciconte stated.

Her journey progressed from local go-karting to being selected as one of four finalists from 116 international applicants for the 2023 Ferrari Driver Academy's Girls on Track program.

Despite the predominantly male environment in motorsports, Ciconte has started to notice a growing number of female competitors as she advances in the ranks.

She credits figures such as Susie Wolff, a former racing driver and current managing director of the F1 Academy, as a source of inspiration for young women in the sport.

Ciconte acknowledges the challenges posed by her dual commitment to racing and online schooling, especially while living abroad.

She stated, "As a teenage girl, it's hard to transition to online school and not seeing my teachers and friends as often...

But I believe that with all the determination that I have and the hard work that I put in, it will hopefully play out in the end."

For other young girls interested in racing, Ciconte encourages perseverance and focus.

"Keep your eyes forward...

If you're dreaming about it, if you're thinking about it, I think you should definitely follow it because it will come true."