Aiva Anagnostiadis’s 2025 injury may have seen her switch gears, but it’s not slowing her down in her race to the podium.
The 18-year-old – who is Australia’s first ever female to be selected as a driver for the Formula One Academy – hit a rough patch last year after sustaining a broken leg at the end of her rookie season, counting her out of two races and leaving her questioning what the future would hold.
Now, the Hitech TGR driver has sat down with Sky News Australia to reveal what’s in store – both in and out of the car – and why we should expect more girls on the grid in the next few years.
While she’s not one to dwell on the past, the young racer dubbed her injury and months-long hiatus from competitive racing “difficult”, adding that it was frustrating not finishing the 2025 season “on the high”.
However, by putting her disappointment in the rearview mirror, Anagnostiadis has found brighter horizons to set her eyes on.
“There’s been so many opportunities and things that have happened that I’ve got to do,” she optimistically shared of her break from the track.
“I’ve started working with kids at the racetrack,” she said, adding: “There’s so many sponsors and people that have come on board and there’s so many other opportunities that are opening up.”
One of the opportunities that came Anagnostiadis’ way was a partnership with KitKat, which saw the young racer crown the biggest F1 superfan in the country and give them the chance to attend the 2026 Aus GP.
Speaking of F1 die-hard Olivia, who allegedly knows more about racing than Anagnostiadis does, the driver was buzzing that more women were making their voices heard from the grandstands.
“She has a tattoo. She moved states to watch the Grand Prix,” she shared, adding: “She’s so committed and takes so much time out of her life.”
It’s moments like these that made Anagnostiadis realise that when one car door closes, another one opens.
“I’m a strong believer that everything happens for a reason. We’re on this different pathway and it’s leading to bigger and better things.”
But the question on everyone’s lips – when is she getting behind the wheel again?
According to Anagnostiadis, it won’t be long now… In fact, we only have a month to go.
“It’s probably the best it’s been. The swelling’s only just stopped about three or four weeks ago.”
She went on to say that she’s back at it with her running and training – and has even hopped into a go-kart a “couple of times”.
“Now, we’re gonna get back in a car and see how that holds up.”
But a broken leg isn’t the only obstacle that has threatened to get in her way as she battles for P1.
As a woman in a male-dominated sport, she’s learning the frustrations that come with being a trailblazer on the track, particularly when it comes to sponsors.
“There’s no girl in Formula One, so [sponsors] have got no one to actually look at and know that their money’s gonna get them somewhere,” she vented.
And when it comes to the money needed for the sport, it can sometimes feel like Anagnostiadis is a few steps behind the start line compared to her male counterparts.
“I think every female kind of struggles with the budget side of things,” she shared of women in racing.
“I think it’s one of the toughest parts, trying to make our way through the sport,” adding: “Money does play such a big part in motor sport.”
But nothing is getting in the way of Anagnostiadis as she races ahead of the times, something she hopes to inspire others to do, too.
“Do what you want,” she encouraged girls who are hoping to get on the track.
“Don’t worry about what other people think or what you think they think. Just do what you love and continue doing it because it will take you far.”
And don’t be too surprised when you see more women in competitive racing, says Anagnostiadis.
Reflecting back on her driving journey, Anagnostiadis revealed that she was “the only girl on the grid” when she started.
Flash forward to the beginning of 2025, “a third of the grid were female,” she gushed.
“It’s really cool to see how far we’ve come and being a role model in that as well.”
And so, as she puts her foot on the pedal of the 2026 season, be prepared to eat Anagnostiadis’ dust – as well the many other women following her lead.