The Woman Behind the High-Speed News: Patrícia Alves, 20 Years in Brazilian Stock Car Racing

Two decades of history in motorsports, the press officer has shaped the narratives of Stock Car and Rally racing in Brazil

The loud roar of engines and the smell of burning tires on asphalt might evoke an outdated stereotype that women wouldn’t be passionate about motorsports. Yet, beyond the many female fans in the stands, behind the scenes of Stock Car Racing, Patrícia Alves has stood out for more than 20 years as a press officer in the category.

The journalist and press officer carved her own path in the sport and is an icon for women aspiring to pursue a career in motorsports.

When she started, there were only three women in the category, which today boasts a much larger female presence. However, this male-dominated environment never made Patrícia doubt that motorsports was a place where she could thrive.

Fórmula Ela: How did your journey in motorsports begin?

Patrícia Alves: It's very interesting that people assume you have to be born passionate about motorsports to be here, but that wasn’t the case for me. I've been in the category for 20 years, but the truth is, I was terrible at sports and knew I wanted to work in sports somehow. I’ve always been passionate about journalism, and after graduating, I became a press officer. Initially, I worked in sailing before transitioning to motorsports. Eduardo noticed my work and invited me to work in rally racing, which I fell in love with. Motorsports have that allure, and eventually, it brought me to Stock Car.

Fórmula Ela: What was your first experience working here like?

Patrícia Alves: My first assignment became a meme because I mistakenly wrote that the “rear of the differential” was broken instead of the “differential rear.” It turned into a joke. But from there, my career took off. I've been with the same team for 16 years, and my passion remains the same. Every time I come here, it feels like the first season.

Fórmula Ela: What has your experience been like as a woman working in a predominantly male category?

Patrícia Alves: I’ve never thought of myself in terms of my gender. I think it’s because of how I was raised. When I was a child, anytime I wanted to do something, my dad would ask, “Why do you want to do it?” I had to explain, and he’d say, “Then go and do it.” I never worried, and it never hindered me. I’ve never been mistreated or harassed; what matters is the results you deliver.

Fórmula Ela: In recent years, there has been an increase in the motorsports audience, including more women. How do you see this trend?

Patrícia Alves: I think it’s wonderful. I’ve never seen so many people drawn to motorsports. When I started, there were only three women; today, there are many more. I see this as very positive—a generation less concerned with labels or who I am. I believe that in motorsports, the less nostalgic we are, the better. I always say: people, come join us. Don’t overthink it; just do what you want.

Fórmula Ela: Can you share a story that has marked you during your 20 years in motorsports?

Patrícia Alves: There was a time during the Bahia GP when Max Wilson danced to a song by Parangolé called Rebolation. Max is usually very serious, so seeing him so relaxed was hilarious. Another time, I took drivers to serve soup at a homeless shelter in Santa Cruz. It was an incredible experience that changed their lives and the lives of others. That day, one of the individuals shared that his dream was to become a teacher. The drivers pooled money to pay for his college education, and today, he’s a teacher in Santa Cruz.

I always say, if it changes someone’s life, we should do it. It might not seem related to motorsports, but it’s deeply connected because it’s the passion for motorsports that brings people together, allowing us to make a difference.

Fórmula Ela: What advice do you have for someone dreaming of a career in motorsports?

Patrícia Alves: As a journalist, you need to love telling stories. Breaking into this field is a challenge. Don’t rush—know what you want, and be mindful of your inner critic. Early in my career, I was rejected by the market. I was a mother, and no one would even take me on as an intern. But I decided not to let the market stop me.

So, there are no limits to where you can go. I always think of Gaetano di Mauro’s story (a driver). At 13, he got an opportunity in Italy. He went there with just enough money for the flight, working in a kart factory during the day to make ends meet. It’s not about luck; it’s about hard work.

I myself was a poor child, and today, here I am.

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