Rafaela Ferreira, a Rising Star in Brazilian Formula 4, Aims for Victory at Interlagos

One of the few female drivers in Formula 4, Rafaela Ferreira narrowly missed securing fifth place in Goiânia

Rafaela Ferreira, 18, is a promising young talent in Brazilian motorsport. She was the first woman to claim pole position in the Copa Brasil de Kart and a South Catarina Karting Champion. Now, Rafaela has her sights set on even greater achievements — including a first-place finish at Interlagos, where she will compete alongside Formula 1.

Rafaela's extensive accomplishments in motorsport stem from a career nurtured since childhood by her father, who owned an indoor kart track in Santa Catarina. Today, her family travels with her to help build her career in motorsport.

In an interview with Fórmula Ela during the penultimate championship round in Goiânia, Rafaela revealed on Friday that she was aiming for a fifth-place finish in Sunday’s race. She came tantalizingly close to achieving that goal, crossing the finish line in sixth place but delivering an impressive performance overall.

“It was a really good race. Starting from ninth [position], we pushed hard. I managed to finish sixth, but we came so close,” reflected the young driver.

Brazilian Formula 4 has been active in the country since last year, following a decade-long absence. Its return was sanctioned by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) and the CBA (Confederação Brasileira de Automobilismo).

The category serves as a crucial stepping stone for young drivers aspiring to progress to Formula 1.

In 2023, for the first time, Formula 4 will race during the same weekend as Formula 1 at Interlagos, São Paulo. This represents a pivotal moment for young drivers, as motorsport’s biggest names will be scouting for emerging talent throughout the weekend.

The next Formula 4 round is scheduled for November 4 and 5.