The new gen.
A trailblazing figure is revving up the scene—and her name is Rafaela Ferreira. Hailing from the picturesque landscapes of Santa Catarina, Brazil, this 20-year-old prodigy is a beacon of possibility for aspiring female drivers everywhere. Ferreira’s infatuation with the motorsport realm began at the tender age of eight, a passion that has since propelled her into the fast lane of the racing elite. Fast forward to 2025, she now finds herself achieving a dream of driving for the Visa Cash App RB Academy Programme in the F1 Academy, a milestone that speaks volumes about her dedication and talent.
Her journey is one of firsts: she became the first woman in 2022 to achieve pole position in the Copa Brasil de Kart and achieved an impressive fourth-place finish in the championship, proving that she could hold her own in a fiercely competitive field. Transitioning smoothly into the F4 Brazilian Championship, her success grew to an even bigger feat. Ferreira’s skill shone bright once again, securing a podium win under her belt at the final event at Interlagos Circuit. Today, she takes the wheel of the #18 Racing Bulls car, earning ninth-place at the F1 Academy’s second race in the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix.
With the recent announcement of beauty powerhouse Anastasia Beverly Hills joining the Red Bull Academy Programme in a multi-year partnership, this also adds an inspiring layer of support for the next generation of women in motorsport. And, our time in Singapore brought us to meet the driver where we dived into her passion for the sport and more.
Rafaela Ferreira of Brazil and Campos Racing in Singapore
Get to know Rafaela Ferreira:
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What kickstarted your passion for motorsport?
I started racing when I was eight years old. My father used to race, and I would accompany him during tests and races. I remember he let me do some laps with him, although I couldn’t reach the pedals; I could only hold the steering wheel. It was an amazing experience that made me fall in love with motorsport. From that point on, I began my own racing journey at the age of eight.
You’re in your debut season with F1 Academy—what has been the biggest learning curve so far?
This year, I learned how crucial it is to focus on training outside of the track and race weekends. We spend a lot of time on the simulator and have numerous meetings to analyze breakpoints and review last year’s races. I believe this preparation is invaluable, especially since we only have one test session in the morning before moving directly to qualifying.
How does it feel to have a team like Redbull and the Redbull Academy Programme to support you throughout your motorsport journey?
I joined the right team and I feel part of the family. Since the beginning, they’ve been so kind and supported me through every step and I can’t wait to see the growth and development together.
You went for a fun makeover with Anastasia Beverly Hills the other day, tell us all about it, and what do you think about the collaboration with the beauty brand?
It was such an amazing experience when they did makeup on us, and to be honest, I really like makeup. I think it’s great because it shows women that we’re not here just to be equal to men; we’re here to do the same things they do.
Rafaela Ferreira of Brazil and Campos Racing (18) with Anastasia Beverly Hills
Do you have a favourite ABH product?
Yes, the Stick Blush just because it’s so easy to apply.
What is one song, or artist that you always go back to to pump yourself up before you go out on track?
Bruno Mars or Taylor Swift.
As a driver, do you have any beauty must-haves to make yourself look and feel better?
Mainly lip gloss, blush and powder. I’ve learned that applying powder is crucial to my beauty routine to control any shine and keep my makeup in place.
What are some things you like to do on your day off?
I would love to wake up really late, close to midday, during the summer. I would go to the beach and spend my entire afternoon relaxing—an ideal way to spend on my day off.
