Singapore may be best known in the motorsport world for the glow of its Formula 1 night race, but Kareen Kaur is part of a younger generation looking at racing from a different seat altogether. “What began as curiosity quickly developed into deep passion,” Kareen shares. “Over time, that passion grew into something I now dedicate my life to, with the long-term goal of reaching the highest levels of motorsport.” That drive became even more serious when she started competing internationally, where she began to understand the level of commitment the sport required. It was also where the work around racing started to click for her: the gym sessions, recovery, simulator training and data study that all had to happen before she even got into the car. “That process made me realise this was the path I wanted to commit to fully,” she says. “When I am in a race kart or in a Formula car, I feel calm behind all the loud roaring. It is a place I feel I belong to and want to be at.”
All that preparation has started to spill into the rest of Kareen’s life too. Currently studying at CHIJ Secondary, she balances school around training and the demands of Formula racing, with her family, school, coaches and wider motorsport support system helping her stay grounded while she works towards a larger goal. “It has taught me discipline in every area of life,” she says, pointing to the routine needed across training, recovery, studies and race preparation.
It is easy to see why that routine matters when she talks about confidence, because for Kareen, taking up space on the track begins with knowing she has already put in the work. In a sport that has long been male-dominated, being Singapore’s first female Formula 4 driver is no small thing, but Kareen’s answer is refreshingly clear. Once the helmet is on and the race begins, the focus goes straight to performance. “Once I’m in the car, it’s no longer about anything external. It’s about executing as a driver and focusing on performance. I do not let gender define my ability.” With this being hardly the most conventional sport to step into, Kareen’s place on the grid speaks to what it means to begin without a clear blueprint. “I hope it shows that you don’t need to wait for permission or representation to start,” she says. “If you are willing to work for it, you can create your own path.”
“You don’t need to wait for permission or representation to start—if you are willing to work for it, you can create your own path.”
With motorsport references already prominent in fashion, Kareen’s perspective is particularly intriguing because she emphasises the gear’s original purpose: function. “People often see the visual side of racing gear, but don’t realise everything behind it is about safety and performance first. Every layer has a purpose and everything is designed to allow a driver to perform at high speed while staying protected.” Her favourite piece? Easily the helmet, the part of the kit that feels most personal to her. “The moment I put it on, I switch into complete focus mode and everything else disappears.”
For now, Kareen views every race as a chance to hone her craft, build her Formula racing portfolio and test herself against tougher rivals. Yet, her long-term vision is clear. “I have my eyes set on being part of F1 Academy in the near future,” she says. “I hope to make a name for Singapore on the international stage in the world of motorsports as a female.”
Photography Zantz Han
Styling Lance Aeron
Hair and make-up Karol Soh
Photographer’s assistant Darrel Ng
Stylist’s assistants Megan Lim and Beatrice Safavi
Special thanks to Heeraj
Get your copy of the July/August ‘Audacity’ issue of Vogue Singapore online.
