Shi Wei, China's first female F1 Academy driver, does a preseason test at the Shanghai International Circuit on Monday evening. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
China's first F1 Academy Wild Card driver, Shi Wei, known online as 'Tie Dou', concluded her three-day preseason test at the Shanghai International Circuit on the evening of Monday, marking a historic milestone for Chinese women in motorsports.
Behind the wheel of car No 24 — a nod to former Chinese F1 driver Zhou Guanyu's legacy — Shi completed 997 kilometers of high-speed laps, showcasing both technical prowess and extraordinary physical endurance ahead of the upcoming F1 Chinese Grand Prix.
Despite months of intensive physical conditioning, the non-assisted steering system of the Formula car pushed her to her limits.
Shi Wei will make her debut as China's first female F1 Academy driver at the upcoming Formula One Grand Prix in Shanghai. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
"There were moments when I was so drained that I could barely grip the wheel," she said. "But the exhaustion afterward — even struggling to hold chopsticks — reassured me that my body could withstand F1 Academy's demands."
In preparation Shi spent nearly two years strengthening her lower body to manage 100 to 120 pounds (45-55 kg) brake force and built neck muscles to endure G-forces. Her efforts paid off.
"My neck is noticeably thicker now," she said, half-jokingly, adding that at the same time, post-test fatigue improved her sleep quality. "I fall asleep instantly — it's my body's way of forcing recovery," she added.
Shi Wei will make her debut as China's first female F1 Academy driver at the upcoming Formula One Grand Prix in Shanghai. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Competing alongside top international female drivers, Shi observed Scuderia Ferrari's Maya Weug adapt to Shanghai's challenging layout within six to seven laps.
"Watching her precision and track understanding highlighted the gap between my current level and global standards," Shi said. Collaborations with seasoned drivers also refined her race craft and strategic mindset.
During downtime, Shi hosted other competitors for a cultural immersion in Shanghai, including visits to the Bund and Shanghai Tower.
Following the test, Shi returned to her Ningbo training base for targeted adjustments. Her team will optimize car stability and simulate race scenarios to enhance split-second decision-making.
"Simulator sessions and physical maintenance will be key to elevating my performance beyond the test results," she said.
Shi Wei will make her debut as China's first female F1 Academy driver at the upcoming Formula 1 Grand Prix in Shanghai. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The F1 Academy China qualifying rounds are scheduled to start on March 21, with races spanning two days. "In racing, there's no gender divide—only speed and ambition," Shi said. "I'll strive to fly the Chinese flag proudly on the international stage."
In 2024, Shi won the Challenge Cup at the FIA F4 Chinese Championship in Shanghai and finished third in the CFGP category. She has also competed in the Toyota Gazoo Racing GR86 Cup and the China Endurance Championship.
Her upcoming challenge at the Shanghai International Circuit not only represents a personal triumph but also a landmark moment for Chinese female athletes in global motorsport.
