Source – Formula1.com
With Chinese driver Shi Wei, better known as “Tie Dou,” joining the grid for the season opening at the Shanghai International Circuit, the first F1 ACADEMY Wild Card entry for the 2025 campaign has been revealed.
The world of motorsport is set to witness history as Shi Wei gears up to take her place on the F1 Academy grid as the first Chinese driver in the series. Her entry as the Wild Card for the 2025 season opener in Shanghai represents not just a milestone in her career but also a groundbreaking moment for Chinese motorsport. With an illustrious track record that includes winning the Challenge Cup at the FIA F4 Chinese Championship and a podium finish in the CFGP category, Shi Wei has already established herself as one of the brightest stars in the racing scene in China. Now, she stands ready to take on the global stage and prove her mettle among some of the best young talents in the sport.
As the F1 Academy heads to Shanghai for its highly anticipated Round 1 event from March 21–23, Shi Wei will be making waves in more ways than one. The Wild Card initiative, introduced in 2024, was created to strengthen the talent pool by prioritizing young drivers from regions where F1 Academy races are held. For Shi Wei, this initiative has opened a door that many could only dream of, giving her the chance to compete as a representative of her nation in front of a home crowd. Operating under the banner of Hitech Grand Prix, which joins as the sixth team in 2025, Shi Wei will carry the hopes and aspirations of an entire country as she takes to the track in this groundbreaking moment for Chinese motorsport.
In her own words, Shi Wei described the opportunity as a dream come true, a moment she never imagined would materialize. “It’s an incredible honour to receive the Wild Card for F1 Academy,” she said with evident emotion. “This opportunity to compete and learn alongside top drivers on a larger stage is something I could only dream of. Hopefully, I can inspire the young generation and raise greater attention to motorsport and the development of the automotive industry.”
Shi Wei’s journey to the F1 Academy grid is a story of perseverance, passion, and immense talent. Her rise through the ranks in China’s racing circuits has been nothing short of remarkable, showcasing her ability to deliver exceptional results under pressure. Winning the Challenge Cup at the FIA F4 Chinese Championship cemented her status as a force to be reckoned with, while her third-place finish in the CFGP category demonstrated her consistency and adaptability across different racing formats. These achievements have paved the way for her entry into the international racing arena, where she is now poised to make her mark.
The significance of this moment is not lost on those supporting her. Huang Ming, General Manager of Shanghai Juss Sports Development (Group) Co., Ltd, hailed Shi Wei’s entry as a historic breakthrough. “Shi Wei’s Wild Card entry into F1 Academy represents not only a historic breakthrough for Chinese motorsport but also a powerful reflection of the power that defines Chinese women,” he said. “We look forward to seeing her shine on the global stage and to the exciting opportunities this will create for future generations of female drivers.”
As the first Chinese driver in the F1 Academy, Shi Wei is more than just a racer; she is a symbol of progress and a source of inspiration for aspiring drivers across the country. Her participation underscores the transformative power of initiatives like the Wild Card entry, which aims to bring untapped talent into the limelight while promoting diversity and inclusion in motorsport. With the F1 Academy serving as a support series to the Chinese Grand Prix, the spotlight on Shi Wei will be brighter than ever as fans rally behind her historic debut.
The excitement is palpable as Shanghai prepares to host this monumental event. The city, already a hub for global motorsport thanks to the Chinese Grand Prix, will now witness one of its own take to the track in the F1 Academy. For Shi Wei, this is more than just a race; it’s an opportunity to showcase her talent, inspire a generation, and cement her place in the history books of Chinese motorsport. As the engines roar to life and the countdown to the season opener begins, all eyes will be on Shi Wei as she takes her first steps toward what promises to be an extraordinary chapter in her racing journey.
