MIRA ERDA

Mira Erda is one of India’s foremost female open-wheel racers. She began racing when she was nine years old. Her first race came after just 25 days of training as she competed in the 2010 JK Tyre National Rotax Max Championship in India. She managed her first podiums and race win in 2011, also winning the award for the Best Improved Driver of the Year. Through consistent performances, she made her way to the JK Racing Championship 2014 to become the youngest Formula 4 girl driver. In 2017, she became the first Indian woman to race in the Euro JK series, one of the highest classes of Formula racing in India. In 2019, she won her first-ever international podium by finishing first in the Ladies category in Round 2 of the FIA Formula 4 SEA Championship at Sepang International Circuit.

What is your favourite word?
Passionate. I never knew what I was getting myself into as a 9-year-old. You never know what you are getting yourself into. But I was just very passionate about driving and speed. I didn't know what was coming my way. Even when the people judged me for choosing to race as a girl, as the only girl among the boys, none of those factors affected me. Nothing affected me because I was just passionate about my driving and kept going.

What was the moment in your life that made you Blossom into the person you are today?
No one moment can define what I turned out today. With every race, my drive, my achievements, and the urge to improve myself pushe me out of my comfort zone and do a little more every time. I think when you do something you really love, it just motivates you to push yourself more and learn about what you are doing. Every race, even the ones I couldn't win - they all gave me lessons, kept me motivated, and put me back on track again.

What would you want the young boys & girls to learn from your journey?
I would just say, follow something that makes you happy. Don't follow something because society is telling you to. And if it's racing, women can do it. Once the helmet is on, nobody knows your gender. It's about working hard for what you want.