In the quiet town of Perambra, nestled within Kerala’s lush landscapes, a remarkable journey is unfolding. At just 25 years old, Motorsports athlete Salva Marjan is preparing to take on the world stage as she sets her sights on becoming Kerala’s first female Formula 1 racer.
Her journey is not just about speed; it’s about breaking barriers, defying norms, and chasing a dream that few dare to pursue.
Salva’s fascination with racing began early, sparked by watching legends like Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton. Despite growing up in a small town with limited resources, her dreams soared beyond the local landscape.
Born on 24 July 1999, she was raised in a family that fought both financial hurdles and societal expectations to support her. “My parents were lectured on how to bring up girls, that it wasn’t safe or proper for a girl to take such risks,” Salva recalls. “But my parents never imposed limits on me based on my gender.”
Salva’s journey has been marked by challenges, particularly the high costs of F4 training. As a business management graduate, she took on various jobs and ventures to fund her passion. Her relentless drive, coupled with her family’s support, has been pivotal as she navigated the obstacles of pursuing her dreams.
“Living your dream is a challenge, but I still believe in myself,” she shares, acknowledging the emotional and physical toll her journey has taken. The emotional toll often left her feeling disconnected from loved ones, but the thrill of competition kept her going.
Salva’s racing career began in 2018 with Formula LGB in India, and she quickly made a name for herself. Her most notable achievement came in the 2023 F4 UAE Championship, where she completed 150 laps, a number that speaks volumes of her resilience.
Motorsports are physically and mentally demanding, with challenges even greater for women. Salva shares that the intense conditions include 40°C temperatures inside the car and 60-100 kg braking pressure during curves.
“Our body types and energy levels affect our endurance capacity. One loses around 4 kg of body weight during the races. A racer needs the physique of a fighter pilot, including quick reflexes,” she explains. Despite setbacks like crashes and spins, Salva’s passion and ability to learn from each experience have kept her on track.
Now, as Salva prepares to join the Formula 1 Academy in January 2025, she stands on the cusp of history. Qualifying for the academy would not only alleviate her financial burdens but also cement her place in the global racing community.
Salva’s ultimate goal is clear: to represent India in Formula 1 and inspire a new generation of female racers. “As a female athlete, I am particularly motivated to challenge the norms and make a significant impact in a field that has historically been male-dominated,” she says.
Edited by Padmashree Pande
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