NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
Summer is here and after the last few years, we all have a to-do list as long as Scottie Pippen’s arms. No dream comes true without hard work and when it comes to being the first to do something it takes nerves of steel and not accepting no for an answer. When we talk about racing cars that’s a whole other level of nerve and in the world of F1 racing cars can hit 223 MPH weak hearted people need not apply. This month we go to U.A.E. ( United Arab Emirates) and get to know the first Middle Eastern woman to take part in a motorsport test program. Once the ban that prohibited women from driving in 2018 was lifted it was GAME ON. She is fearless from racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and now taking part in the Formula 3 Asian Championships with her eyes set on Formula 1. Introducing Emirati racing driver Amna Al Qubaisi!
Joe Cardoso: You knew I was going to ask it, how did you get into racing and why?
Amna Qubaisi: I got into racing from seeing my father racing in GT cars he invited drivers over for dinner and their conversations were about racing, the different tracks they’ve been to, and drivers they met. So it intrigued me and that’s when I started in karting
JC: Does having family members who are in the sport help you in terms of support and even driving advice?
AQ: Yes, having family members is actually fun as well as relating to something and understanding each other. So in that, we give each other tips and advice on racing.
JC: Being the “first” to do anything is difficult, how do you handle being in such a male-dominated field?
AQ: It’s been tough at the start but then I began to prove myself that I do deserve to be racing in this grid pace-wise. So it was a matter of time till I got used to it.
JC: What were those early racing experiences like for you?
AQ: It was really difficult as I was not only the only female on the grid but also the only Arab. So it was hard to get along with other drivers but then with time, it went easy. Also, I was underestimated a lot by my competitors and they’d push me off track several times, but then I started to push back and it went all well.
JC: What is going through your mind when you are on the track and competing?
AQ: With all honesty, racing is very therapeutic to me. I find it a habit to release myself from all the distractions I’m facing and a place where I just focus on my braking points and turning points.
JC: How exciting is it to be living in the UAE during these times when we are seeing such positive change for women?
AQ: It’s wonderful to see how the UAE is evolving and empowering women in many sectors not just in sports. The UAE has always been empowering women but now more than ever, and it makes me proud of my country.
JC: Not a lot of people know how physical racing is. What types of exercise do you do to stay in shape?
AQ: The championship I was racing in Formula 3 Regional. The cars are extremely heavy and we have no power steering. So we depend on our shoulders and arms. As well as the G force since F3 has a lot of downforces it’s so easy to get tired after the race.
JC: As a true role model for other women in the region what do want them to learn from your example?
AQ: I want them to learn to always keep persisting. I always thought I had to prove myself or prove people wrong but that shouldn’t be the case. Do it for you and not for others satisfaction or praise.
Bonus Questions:
JC: Off the track what do you like to do?
AQ: I like to be adventurous from wakeboarding to jet skiing and dune bashing. Almost anything that has an engine to it.
JC: You have some really amazing sponsorship deals, how do you select who to work with?
AQ: I’m very happy that my sponsors believed in me from the very beginning of my career like Kaspersky Lab, Strata, onesie travel agency, and strata. It’s very hard to bring in sponsorship deals and I got them from my karting results during my last win in Formula 4 in 2019 of course, social media plays a huge role.
JC: Who is Amna?
AQ: I’m very quiet at the start but once someone gets to know me I’m very social. I love sharing advice and personal experiences in case someone’s going through the same challenge as me they have guidance. I’m an empath and a huge animal lover.
Thanks to Amna for making time for me and sharing her journey so far, it’s just the start and I can’t wait to see what she does next. Make sure to keep up with her on social media as well for the latest happenings. All gas, no brakes.
Instagram: @amnalqubaisi_official
TikTok: @amnaalqubaisi
Twitter: @amna_alqubaisii
Snapchat: @amna.alqubaisi8 
