MILLA SJÖSTRAND: “I DON’T CARE IF I COMPETE AGAINST BOYS OR GIRLS, I JUST WANT TO BE THE BEST”

Discover the inspiring story of Milla, a young Swedish driver determined to become a Formula 1 champion, breaking gender barriers and dreaming big from her first steps in karting.

What is your dream?
My dream is to become a Formula 1 champion. Well, the main goal is to become a professional racing driver. Within that goal is being a Formula 1 champion, and also doing other things within motorsport.

Of course, you’re Swedish. What is motorsport like in Sweden? And what is it like for women?
In youth karting, there are a lot of girls, but as you grow up, most of them quit. In all my years in karting, I’ve been the only girl on the grid. So there aren’t many girls as you move up, especially in international categories. But I’m here to compete; I don’t care if I race against boys or girls. I just want to be the best overall. Of course, I support women in motorsport and want there to be more in the future. And I think there will be.

Do you think there are enough opportunities in Sweden to become a professional in motorsport?
It depends on the path you want to take. In Sweden, there are categories like Ginettas, Porsche, Formula Nordic, but to get the most out of it, I think the best thing is to go elsewhere in Europe.

I read that your first experience in a kart was in the Canary Islands. Do you remember that moment?
Yes, I remember we went to a karting track, and I drove in a double kart with my mom. We even have a photo from that day. That was when I tried motorsport for the first time, and I loved it. I told my dad, “This is what I want to do”.

How did your dad react when you told him you wanted to be a racing driver?
I think he already saw it coming. I’ve always loved motorsport. He took me to a track when I was old enough, I did some testing, and that’s when my karting career started.

And a very successful one, by the way. Do you have a favorite track?
Yes, there’s a track in Uppsala, Sweden, about an hour from Stockholm. It’s good because it combines fast straights with more technical sections. It challenges you as a driver.

As a driver, what are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
My biggest strength is consistency. Doing the same thing every lap. In a race, you can’t just do one fast lap and then make mistakes. You have to minimize mistakes and stay very focused. I wouldn’t say I have a big weakness, but there’s always something to improve, depending on the track, the corners, the conditions. I always work to get better.

You’ve also competed in the Rotax Max category. What is that category like?
It’s very different from what I was used to. I’ve raced in karting championships in Sweden and in OK and OK Junior. Rotax is heavier, but slower. I had to adapt to the engine, the tires, especially for qualifying. It was hard at first, but I learned a lot. I liked the competitiveness, and I was able to show that I’m fast and that I don’t give up.

Thanks to all that, you were nominated for the FIA Girls on Track program. What was that experience like?
It was fantastic. I’ve been nominated three times. I met girls from all over the world with similar experiences. In 2021, I reached the final—I was one of the four finalists. I worked with Ferrari and with Prema Racing. It’s been really important for me. I’ve learned and grown a lot, both as a person and as a driver.

With Prema, you did a test in F4. How did that feel?
Yes, I had driven other types of cars before, but the F4 car is very different: it has more downforce. I adapted quickly and was fast. I didn’t make mistakes, stayed calm, and worked well with the mechanics. I learned how to brake properly—like in a triangle: brake very hard and then gradually release. I felt very confident, and I really liked the F4 car.

What’s your next challenge? In which series do you want to compete?
I want to race in a Formula 4 series. It doesn’t matter exactly which one, I just want to prove myself, learn, and gain experience to take the next step.

Do you have any idols in motorsport?
Sure, I admire Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel. But I also think you can learn from everyone. See what they have that I don’t, and what I can improve. Idon’t want to be like them, I want to be better.

And what is Milla like off the track?
I’m a normal teenage girl. I go to school and I try hard to get good grades. I have good friends, I’m happy, I smile a lot, and I try to be a good person. I also go to the gym a lot to improve physically and be faster on the track.

What message would you give to Swedish fans following your career?
Don’t give up on your dreams. And watch motorsport, because in Sweden it’s not that popular and many people don’t know about it. They should get involved, dream big, work hard, and make it happen.