In the world of motorsports, where speed and precision meet, a new name is making waves on the track - Chloe Chong. Hailing from the UK, Chloe's journey into the racing world started with an early fascination for the sport, fueled by weekends spent watching Formula 1 with her father.
Chloe's initiation into the racing world began in karts, competing in the UK for three years. In 2023, she took a significant leap into car racing, joining PREMA Racing in F1 Academy. Notably, Chloe's talent and dedication caught the attention of the Ferrari Driver Academy during the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission’s Girls on Track Rising Stars scheme
Despite having no prior experience with Formula 4 machinery, Chloe quickly proved herself with an impressive pace, showcasing not only her racing skills but also her analytical approach. Her determination and receptivity during the Italian program's scouting earned her a spot among the finalists. Reflecting on her experience at Paul Ricard, Chloe describes it as an emotional journey filled with passion and a collective desire for improvement. For her, it wasn't just about making it to the final; it was about absorbing as much information as possible. Chloe's attitude and commitment during those five days demonstrated to the jury that she deserved her place among the finalists.
Unlike some of her peers, Chloe does not come from a racing family. Her journey is a personal conquest, supported by her family but without predefined connections. Her passion for racing ignited after her father's stint in rental karting, leading to her first karting experience at the age of six. Since then, she has steadily risen through the ranks, showcasing her skills in national karting events and later making her mark in the British Kart Championship.
Chloe's racing career has been marked by adaptability and a positive mindset. One of her standout moments was a karting race at Whilton Mill, where unfavorable conditions challenged her starting position. In a true display of skill and determination, Chloe surged from 23rd to fourth in a national-level championship grid, showcasing her ability to thrive under pressure.
In the inaugural 2023 season of F1 Academy, Chloe was impressively the youngest driver to enter at only 16 years old with the Italian racing team Prema despite competing with much more experienced drivers. However, she embraced this and took it in her stride using it to her advantage, with the support of a renowned team like Prema enhancing her development. She shared the garage with experienced talents like Marta García and Bianca Bustamante learning and developing herself further. By the end of the season, she amassed 25 points. Her best race performance was Race 1 at Spielberg, Austria where she finished a commendable 6th, She also had another stellar weekend at the Austin, USA round earning points in all 3 races.
“Sometimes you don’t appreciate the progress you have made and you need to look back at where you were a year ago to realize and appreciate every place that you have come just because racing in this series is so competitive and sometimes you get lost in the results rather than progress." - Chloe Chong
Beyond the racetrack, Chloe reveals her artistic side, playing eight musical instruments and expressing a passion for both arts and sports. As a 16-year-old athlete competing internationally, she emphasizes the importance of education alongside her racing endeavors and admirably can meticulously balance her GCSE exams with a demanding racing career. But with her keen determination and a supportive school environment, Chloe can stay optimistic about managing her commitments both on and beyond the race track.
As Chloe gears up for the 2024 season in the prestigious British Formula 4, her focus is not solely on podium finishes but on continuous improvement. For this young racing sensation, each lap is an opportunity to enhance her skills and familiarity with the car. With Chloe Chong on the track, the future of women in motorsports looks bright, inspiring the next generation of young girls to pursue their passion for racing.
Citations:
[1] "Chloe Chong Joins PREMA Racing for 2023 F1 Academy Season." F1 - The Official Home of Formula 1® Racing, 15 Mar. 2023, www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.chloe-chong-joins-prema-racing-for-2023-f1-academy-season.36Ht4krSbOZdJYaTWyPMfW.html. Accessed 25 Feb. 2024.
[2] "Howdy." Howdy, www.howdy.com/blog/howdy-com-partners-up-with-the-young-rising-star-of-the-f1-academy-chloe-chong/. Accessed 25 Feb. 2024.
Image References:
Comments