Since the age of seven, Maya Weug has been blazing herself a trail in motorsport. As amember of the Ferrari Driver Academy and a competitor in the F1 Academy, she isshaping her career meticulously. From intense training regimes, to the mental challenges of racing, Weug has shared insights with us into her journey and what it takes to succeed at the highest levels.
The Hidden Aspects of Training
While countless hours on the simulator and time in the gym are obvious parts of a driver's training, Weug has highlighted an often overlooked segment - mental training.“We make sure that we perform under each situation and manage the pressure and reaction times as best as possible” she explains. With racing requiring split-second decisions, mental preparation proves to be just as vital as the gruelling physical
conditioning.
Maintaining Focus on Race Weekends
Race weekends can be chaotic, with constant schedule changes, media commitments
and unpredictable track conditions. Weug spotlights the importance of structure and
preparation to help her stay focused. “Sleep is super important, so making sure to be well rested before and during the weekend is key,” she says. Proper nutrition, data analysis, and a well planned routine also help her to maintain energy and concentration levels throughout the weekend.
Unusual Advice That Works
In a sport where pushing limits is vital to success, Weug shared a rather unusual piece
of advice that she found value in: “It is good to go in the gravel”. While it may sound contradictory, it highlights the importance of finding the car's true limits. Weug shared that she feels it can help you to get a deeper understanding of control and grip – both of which are crucial elements of racing.
The unique challenge of F1 Academy
Having competed in various series, Weug finds F1 Academy particularly unique due to the connection it shares with Formula 1. “It makes it super important to be able to adapt quickly to all the conditions of track and grip during the weekend” she says. with races taking place of F1 race weekends it provides invaluable exposure and also helps to prepare the drivers for the environment of Formula 2 and Formula 3.
Breaking Misconceptions About Women in Motorsport
Weug acknowledges that while progress is being made, female drivers still face the
challenge of having to prove their capabilities on track. “We’re getting more and more girls into the sport, which shows the mentality is changing” she says. With hard work and determination, she believes women can continue to break barriers and achieve
great success in motorsport.
Legacy
When asked how she wants to be remembered in the sport, Weug’s answer is clear; “As
a fast driver, as well as determined and hardworking”. Along with her own personal
success, she hopes to inspire the next generation by proving that barriers can be
broken.
The Evolution from Young Talent to Professional
The shift from being a ‘promising young driver’ to a professional competitor comes with many new responsibilities. “It’s not only important to be talented – without hard work, you can’t get far” she said. By surrounding herself with a strong team that offers support through both successes and struggles it has proven to be essential for her long-term success.
Goals for 2025 and Beyond
Looking ahead, Weug highlights a clear objective for 2025; “To always give my best on
and off the track and, of course, to win the championship”. Long-term, her ambition is to
continue climbing the ranks and secure an even stronger position for the following season.
It is clear for a driver like Weug she is not just racing for herself – she is driving change in motorsport. From breaking gender barriers, to striving for championship success, Maya Weug is a name to watch in the years to come.
📸 Image credits: Maya Weug, Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine, Formula Motorsport Limited.
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