Formula 1 (also written as Formula One) is hugely popular motorsport in the world, but it remains a male-dominated extravaganza. The last women to drive a car in Formula 1 was 43 years ago when Italian racer Leila Lombardi participated in the 1976 Brazilian Grand Prix. But that could change as a new name has emerged on the scene. Tatiana Calderon, a 26-year-old Colombian who is a 162 cm height test driver for Alfa Romeo Formula 1 team, is in line to race on the biggest stages of the world if things click for her. Tatiana is also an accomplished racer for BWT Arden in the FIA Formula 2 Championship.

Tatiana Calderon has been passionate about racing since the age of nine and was accompanied by her family to kart racing regularly. Her professional career took off at the age of 17 when she raced in the Star Mazda Championship and had two podium finish in 2011. This was followed by a victory in the 2014 Florida Winter Series and a second pace at the 2015 MRF Challenge Formula 2000 Championship. In addition to these feats, a podium finish at the British Formula 3 International Series and having the distinction of being the first woman to lead a lap at the FIA Formula 3 European Championship helped her rise in stature.

Formula One being a very demanding sport, Tatiana Calderon has her focus firmly on building the right fitness level. She trains for a minimum of four hours in the gym and in order to be mentally prepared for the game, she sees a sports psychologist once or twice a week. She is already an ambassador for the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, an organisation that supports women participation in the sport and is an advocate for Dare to be Different. She is currently racing in Formula 2 and actively looking for a team that will help her fulfil her Formula One dreams. If that is not possible, another year in Formula 2 in 2020 awaits the South American.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 10, 2019 01:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).