Get to know Ava Lawrence, the youngest member of the Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy who's moved from the other side of the world in pursuit of her dream.
The Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy has two new recruits, Ava Lawrence and Roland Nagy. Two bright young karters, they both harbour dreams of climbing up the motorsport ranks, and their next step comes with the support and guidance of our Driver Academy, dedicated to identifying and developing the next generation of exceptional motorsport talent.
Ava, a trailblazing 11-year-old from Australia, has achieved several firsts in her young career, including becoming the first female MENA Cup champion and the first female Mini race winner in ROK Cup Italy.
As she gets ready for this exciting new chapter, we got to know her a little better:
How excited are you to be joining the Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy?
"I'm excited because it's going to be a huge step in improving my driving and making me a better driver. I'm really looking forward to meeting different people in the team and learning from them."
How did you first get into karting?
"I got into karting during the global pandemic. In Singapore, where my family and I lived at the time, there wasn't much you could do, but karting was considered a non-contact sport, so we started going every day. I really enjoyed it and we’ve gone from there."
What's been your career highlight so far?
"My favourite win was in Dubai during my first year racing there – it was at the end of the season and probably my best result. Moving to Italy to improve my racing was a really important moment for me and being selected for the Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy is also something I'd call a highlight."
You've toured the AMR Technology Campus. What did you think of it?
"My favourite part was seeing all the different materials the team uses on the Formula One car and being able to touch the different components. That was really interesting and cool."
Did anything surprise you during your visit?
"Yes, I was surprised by how many people work on designing the car. It's amazing how much work goes into producing a car. I had no idea."
Have you met any of the Aston Martin Aramco drivers yet?
"Not yet, but I'm really excited to meet both Lance and Fernando.
How do you find being a girl in karting?
"The level of respect can be different. Sometimes people don't give you as much respect at first, so you have to earn it. But that's OK for me. I can handle that.
"If you stay focused, there's no real advantage or disadvantage to being a girl or a boy. It's all about who's quickest. When I put my helmet on, it doesn't matter if I'm a girl or a boy – it just matters how fast I am."
Would you like to race in F1 ACADEMY one day?
"Yes, definitely. It's a great step where you can learn a lot and then move on to higher categories like F3 or F2."
What is your biggest strength as a driver?
"My biggest strength is my intelligence. I'm very patient, and I think a lot while I'm racing. I'm always looking to improve and not just stick to one way of doing things."
Is there an element of your driving you've improved on recently?
"I've improved a lot in overtaking; being more decisive and going for moves without overthinking."
What do you enjoy most about racing?
"I like winning – it just feels really good."
What is your ultimate dream in motorsport?
"In the future, I want to achieve lots of wins and podiums, and continue developing as a driver with the support of the Driver Academy.
"My biggest dream is to reach Formula One and become the first girl in a long time to race there. I'd also love to race in NASCAR."
Do you have a favourite pre-race meal?
"Yes, before every race I have the same breakfast: congee, which is like a rice porridge. It's refreshing and helps my performance."
Do you have any pets?
"I have a dog called Kobe, named after Kobe Bryant the NBA legend. He's a cavapoo."
What do you like to do outside of racing?
"I enjoy skiing and want to try snowboarding. I used to do competitive swimming, and now I also play sports like badminton and volleyball."
Do you have a favourite TV show?
"My favourite TV show is Drive to Survive because it shows the key moments of the Formula One season and gives insight into the drivers and their backgrounds."
Would you like to be featured on it one day?
"Definitely!"
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Read moreGet to know Ava
At just 11 years old, Australian-born Ava Lawrence has established herself as a rising force in international karting, competing across Rotax, IAME and FIA-aligned categories.
Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy
From karting to single-seaters, the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Driver Academy is dedicated to identifying and developing the next generation of exceptional motorsport talent.
The Academy provides a clear path to the top tiers of racing through tailored racecraft mentorship, simulator work, physical training, media coaching and race weekend immersion.
