MILLA SJÖSTRAND : RELENTLESS BY NATURE

From karting in Sweden to chasing her Formula dream, meet one of motorsport’s most determined young women.

At just seventeen, Milla Sjöstrand is already redefining what it means to be young, talented, and ambitious in motorsport. The Swedish racing driver has built a reputation for her sharp focus, calm determination, and the ability to deliver results under pressure , qualities that have carried her from her first laps in karting to the highly competitive world of Formula 4.

Her story began at the age of seven.

“I tried a two-seater go-kart with my mom on a family holiday when I was four, and I was hooked,” she recalls . “When I was finally old enough to try a proper racing kart at age seven, I told my dad: This is what I want to do.”

That spark of passion quickly turned into a career marked by consistency and performance. With multiple wins and podiums, and as a three-time finalist of the FIA Girls on Track: Rising Stars program, Milla has proven she belongs among the most promising talents of her generation.

The Reality Behind the Dream
But behind the victories, there’s the constant challenge that defines so many young drivers: funding.

“The main challenge is definitely the funding required to compete at high levels,” she admits. “It requires constant effort off the track to find partners. I overcome it by always performing my best, being professional, and focusing only on the speed and results I can deliver.”

This relentless mindset also guides how she balances school, training, and racing.

“It’s tough,” she says. “You have to make sacrifices and prioritize. I work hard to keep my grades up while maintaining a rigorous training and racing schedule.”

For Milla, every detail counts. The physical and mental demands of racing extend far beyond the cockpit.
“People often think it’s just driving,” she explains. “But it’s incredibly demanding : physically, mentally, and technically. It takes intense fitness, split-second decision- making, and deep knowledge of the car.”

And when she looks at the future of women in motorsport, her outlook is full of optimism:

A Relentless Spirit
When asked what she loves most about being a driver, her eyes light up.

“I love the adrenaline, the speed, and pushing myself to the limit,” she says. “But I also love inspiring younger girls to get into the sport.”

Milla’s racing philosophy can be captured in a single word: relentless.

“You have to be determined, focused, and willing to work harder than everyone else,” she insists. “That’s what makes a difference.”

Her preparation before each race is as disciplined as her mindset.

“I focus on staying calm and minimizing mistakes,” she explains. “The key is trusting the work you’ve done before you even get to the track.”

When pressure builds, she channels it into performance.

“I turn the pressure into motivation,” she says. “I remind myself that I’m here to compete and be the best, regardless of who’s watching.”

The Meaning of Girl Power in the Paddock
To Milla, girl power isn’t just about visibility, it’s about unity.

“It means women supporting each other, working together to achieve our goals, and proving that we belong in any competitive environment in the sport.”

Her admiration for other women in racing, highlights how representation creates momentum.

“Seeing a talented driver like Maya succeed through the FIA Girls on Track program and climb the single-seater ranks is a great motivator for me.”

She believes that visibility is the most powerful way to bring more girls into motorsport.

“Girls need to see successful female role models in the sport to realize it’s an option for them,” she says.

That’s exactly why Milla supports initiatives like F1 Academy, which she sees as a gateway for a new generation of women on the grid.

“I see a positive evolution with more opportunities, better support, and increasing visibility,” she says. “Soon, it will be less of a talking point and more of a norm to see women competing at the top level.”

The Dream That Drives Her Forward
Beyond the trophies and training sessions, one dream continues to guide her: Formula 1.

“My ultimate dream in motorsport is to become a Formula 1 champion,” she says confidently. “But I take everything step by step, year by year , working to get closer to it.”

Every lap, every test, and every challenge adds another layer to the story of a young woman determined to make her mark. Her favorite racing memory , a flawless win in OK Junior, from pole to final — is a glimpse of what’s to come.

Supported by her father, who’s been by her side since her first kart, Milla continues to prove that success in motorsport isn’t just about talent , it’s about perseverance, humility, and belief.

“Don’t give up,” she says to every young girl dreaming of racing. “Ignore the doubts, work incredibly hard, and remember that passion is your biggest strength. You belong in this sport as much as anyone else.”

Autore: Clara for Girl Power in the Paddock