Ferrari Driver Academy signs its first female driver in history

The Dutch Maya Weug has won the FIA's Girls on Track program, securing a place in the Ferrari Driver Academy. The 16-year-old driver managed to beat 25 other young women in the final of the karting tournament.

Weug was born in Spain to a Dutch father and Belgian mother. She is the first woman to join the Ferrari Driver Academy, Ferrari reports on their website.

The Girls on Track program was created by the FIA in collaboration with Ferrari, in an effort to get more female racing talent on the track. Girls between the ages of 12 and 16 from around the world participated in the program.

In the end, four girls reached the finals. They all received an introduction to the Ferrari Driver Academy and were allowed to test in a Formula 4 car in the process. In November the program was postponed because one of the four finalists tested positive for the coronavirus, but it resumed in January.

With her victory, Weug takes a big step in her racing career. In addition to a spot in Ferrari's training program, she will also receive a spot in the 2021 Formula 4 championship.

"I was so nervous! I have no words for it, thank you so much," Weug reacted when the news was announced. "It's always been my dream, ever since I started karting. It's great to be at Ferrari, and to be here and win. I am extremely happy," said the young racing talent.