From kart tracks in Victoria to the global F1 Academy grid, Joanne Ciconte is shifting gears and chasing big dreams. Meet the 16-year-old driver proving that courage, focus, and a love of speed can take you anywhere.
Sixteen-year-old Joanne Ciconte is chasing her dream with every lap, making her mark as the youngest driver on the 2025 F1 academy grid. Racing in front of Grand Prix crowds, Joanne is showing the world that she’s ready to take her place among motorsport’s brightest rising stars.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO MOTORSPORTS AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE?
I first got into motorsport by watching my younger brother, Cosi. He’s two years younger than me, and I would always go to support him at the track. Every time he took off his helmet with the biggest smile on his face, I became more and more intrigued.
Eventually, I got the chance to try it myself when I was nine years old, and from the very first drive, I was hooked!
CAN YOU SHARE WITH US YOUR PROGRESSION IN MOTORSPORT FROM KARTING TO FORMULA 4?
I started out in karts, racing at the Victorian State level and then nationally – and I began getting some strong results early on. A few key highlights for me would be:
- Being selected to participate in the 2024 Ferrari Driver Academy Girls on Track Competition in Maranello, Italy.
- Being scouted by a famous Italian racing academy, Pro-Racing, led by Marco Cioci and Giancarlo Fisichella, in 2023.
- Participating in the CEZ F4 and securing Top Rookie and Top Female and 4th Overall, (CEZ) F4 Championship in the Czech Republic.
- Moving to one of the most highly regarded and competitive championships in the world, the Spanish F4.
- Signing up with MP Motorsport in November 2024 as an official F1 Academy driver and later being announced in February 2025.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING BEHIND THE WHEEL?
The adrenaline, the speed, the vibration, you feel it all through your body when you’re behind the wheel. It’s an experience like no other.
Racing isn’t just a sport; it’s a passion that demands sacrifice, energy, and complete dedication. The challenge of constantly pushing myself to be better is what keeps me motivated. Every time I get in the car, I know there’s always something new to learn, another level to reach, and that’s what I love most.
RACING REQUIRES VERY INTENSE CONCENTRATION. HOW DO YOU KEEP YOURSELF MENTALLY STRONG?
I work with a coach every week, running through scenarios I’m likely to face on track. These training exercises help me sharpen my focus, improve multitasking, and strengthen my concentration under pressure.
Having started karting at such a young age (9) also taught me a lot. I quickly learnt how mentally demanding the sport is and how frustrating and exciting it can be all at once. That experience helped me develop the resilience needed to stay strong and focused in every race.
HAVE YOU FACED ANY CHALLENGES AS A YOUNG FEMALE IN MOTORSPORT?
When I first started, there weren’t many females in the sport, it was just the norm.
In 2023, when I was 14, I raced and won the 2023 Australian Ladies Pink Plate Championship, which was the first time I competed solely against other girls. It was a great experience, but most of my career has been spent racing against the boys.
I’ve had to deal with comments from male competitors from time to time, but I never let it get to me. If anything, it’s only motivated me to push harder and prove myself on track.
HOW DO YOU UNWIND AFTER A COMPETITION?
After each race I always reflect with my driver coach and my family. Outside of racing, I love staying active with simulation training and time in the gym. I also really enjoy playing other sports like tennis and volleyball. When I’m not training, I spend time with friends and family, and I’m often watching other races to keep learning and stay inspired.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?
One of my biggest achievements has been driving for Ferrari and becoming a finalist in the Ferrari Driver Academy Girls on Track competition. Having the privilege to drive around the Ferrari racetrack in Maranello, Italy, was an unforgettable experience.
Being selected for the 2025 F1 Academy is also a huge milestone, especially as one of Australia’s first female drivers to gain entry. Competing at this level at just 16 years of age, with less than a year of experience in a Formula 4 car, is something I’m incredibly proud of.
DO YOU HAVE ANY FEMALE ROLE MODELS IN MOTORSPORT THAT YOU LOOK UP TO? WHAT FEMALE ATHLETES INSPIRE YOU?
Growing up, it was hard to have a female role model in motorsport because there weren’t many women in the sport. But as I progressed, Susie Wolff became a big inspiration. She drove an F1 car and later went on to create the F1 Academy, opening doors for more female drivers like me.
Outside of motorsport, I really admire Serena Williams. Her story of perseverance resonates with me, and I relate to the challenges she overcame to succeed at the highest level.
WHAT’S YOUR ULTIMATE DREAM OR GOAL?
A year ago, one of my biggest goals was to make it into the F1 Academy, so achieving that has only fuelled my ambition even more. My ultimate dream is to reach Formula 1 and make history as Australia’s first female F1 driver.
… dream big! And if you think you can do it, you can!
HOW DO YOU BALANCE SCHOOL, MOTORSPORT, AND FRIENDS?
Balancing school, motorsport, and friends has definitely been a challenge. Because of the intensity of my travel schedule, I’ve transitioned to online school, which gives me more flexibility but also requires a lot of discipline.
I’ve missed birthdays and events, but my friends understand the level I’m competing at. When I’m back in Melbourne, I always make time to catch up. It really helps me unwind and reset.
My journey started with races across Victoria, then nationally, where my dad and I would drive for hours to different tracks. Travelling to Europe was a huge step for my family and now I’m on the move almost every five days for training and racing. Adjusting to different time zones and constantly being on the go is challenging, but it’s something I’ve had to adapt to quickly.
WHAT SACRIFICES HAVE YOU MADE TO PURSUE YOUR DREAM?
Pursuing my dream has come with a lot of sacrifices. Socially, I’ve had to miss out on time with friends and family, and moving countries meant leaving behind everything familiar; my home, my school, and the people I grew up with.
One thing I never imagined I’d miss so much is my own bed. Constant travel means I’m always adapting to new places, but every sacrifice is worth it to chase my ultimate goal.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER YOUNG GIRLS WHO WOULD LIKE TO GET INTO MOTORSPORT?
Pursuing my dream has come with a lot of sacrifices. Socially, I’ve had to miss out on time with friends and family, and moving countries meant leaving behind everything familiar; my home, my school, and the people I grew up with.
One thing I never imagined I’d miss so much is my own bed. Constant travel means I’m always adapting to new places, but every sacrifice is worth it to chase my ultimate goal.
JOANNE’S FAVOURITES:
MOVIE: I love all genres and it really depends on my mood as to what I go for.
SONG/ARTIST (TO LISTEN TO): I don’t have a specific song or artist that I listen to as I love so many.
On my playlists are all sorts of rap & R&B artists and before each race I listen to house music.
SONG (TO DANCE TO): How Deep Is Your Love by Calvin Harris.
BOOK: I am not huge on reading, mainly because I struggle to find the time! But I am looking at exploring audiobooks at the moment.
ANIMAL (OR PET!): Tiger.
