Rising Star in the Fast Lane: Alexia Danielsson

At just 15 years old, Alexia ‘Lexi’ Danielsson is already making waves in the world of motorsport. Hailing from Sweden, this young racing prodigy has her sights set on the pinnacle of motorsport achievement: Formula 1. Her journey, however, is already brimming with notable milestones and an undeniable passion for speed.

Alexia Danielsson | Females in Motorsport

A Historic Start

Alexia’s journey into the high-octane world of racing began early.

In 2021 when she was just 12 years old, she made history by becoming the youngest Swede ever to be awarded a Formula racing license - this remarkable achievement set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling career.

The world of motorsport is not unfamiliar territory for Alexia. Her father, Alexander “Alx” Danielsson, is a seasoned racing driver himself. Alx has competed at the highest levels, including Formula Ford and the Formula Renault 3.5 series, where he clinched the championship in 2006. Alx’s illustrious career also includes testing for F1 with Renault and racing against notable drivers such as Danica Patrick. Today, Alx serves as Alexia’s racing instructor, guiding her with the wealth of experience he has accumulated over the years.

Discovering the Passion

When asked about what sparked her interest in motorsport, Alexia’s eyes light up with enthusiasm. “I have always loved speed since I was young,” she explains. Her initial encounter with racing was somewhat serendipitous. “I was very young when I first had the chance to try a rented kart, and I really liked it. So, we bought a kart, and I thought it was really fun, so we continued.” Her father's influence also played a significant role in her desire to race; “he [her father Alx Danielsson] has also driven a lot, so I have been at his races as well.”

Alexia and her dad before a race | Females in Motorsport

Career Highlights

Despite her young age, Alexia already has a number of career highlights to her name. One standout moment for her is the opportunity to compete in Formula 4. “That I have the opportunity to drive in F4, I think it is very cool,” she says. For a young driver, stepping into an F4 car is a significant milestone, marking the transition from karting to the more demanding world of single-seaters.

Alexia on track in her F4 car | Kim Grippo

Current Season and Future Aspirations

This year, Alexia is balancing her first season in the Nordic F4 with her third season in the Aquila Formula 1000. Reflecting on her experiences so far, she explains, “I’m right now driving Aquila for training, so I’m not aiming to get a good placement in the end, it’s for the training.”

In the more competitive F4 category, she remains pragmatic yet ambitious. “In my F4 car, it is my first season and I am still developing, but I’m hoping for a top 10 finish in the championship.”

Final touches in the garage | Females in Motorsport

A Taste of F1

A particularly memorable moment for Alexia was last year when she had the chance to test drive Nico Rosberg's 2007 FW29 Williams F1 car. Recalling the experience, she describes it as “completely insane.” The sheer excitement of stepping into an F1 car is palpable in her voice. “I remember when I was about to step inside the car I could barely sit still. I was shaking so much because it was an F1 car, so cool, but I was also a bit scared to crash it.”

Initially, she couldn’t believe her luck. “I was very shocked when he [her dad] told me. I honestly thought it was a prank at first because it is an F1 car, woah.”

Being able to have a chat and receive tips from Nico Rosberg himself was a memorable moment for Alexia. The former F1 World Champion shared valuable insights and discussed his own experiences, leaving a lasting impression on the young driver.

Alexia in Nico Rosberg's Formula 1 car | James Holm

FIA WIM Rising Star 2021

In 2021, Alexia was selected for the FIA WIM Rising Star programme, an initiative designed to identify and support young female talent in motorsport. Reflecting on the experience, she says, “It was really fun to be a part of.” Although she didn’t have extensive experience at the time, her focus was on gaining valuable exposure. “I hadn’t driven a lot, so I wasn’t there to win it all, I was there to get the experience.”

Dreams and Future Plans

Looking ahead, Alexia’s ambitions are clear and lofty. “That is F1. It’s the biggest goal but also IndyCar and F1 Academy,” she states with a hopeful smile on her face. Achieving such goals requires not only talent but also relentless dedication and perseverance, qualities that Alexia seems to possess in abundance.

As for her immediate future, she is pragmatic yet optimistic. “Nothing yet, I’m guessing another year in F4.” This approach underscores her commitment to honing her skills and gaining the necessary experience to progress through the ranks of motorsport.

Alexia behind the wheel | Females in Motorsport

Behind the Wheel

When it comes to race weekends and the moments she spends behind the wheel, Alexia describes a sense of immersion that many drivers experience. “When I am driving, I am in another world, I’m just driving.” This focused mindset is crucial for any driver aiming to compete at the highest levels, allowing them to navigate the intense pressures and demands of the sport.

Alexia Danielsson’s journey in motorsport is just beginning, but her achievements and experiences so far paint a picture of a dedicated and talented young driver with a bright future. With the support of her family and friends, and her own unwavering passion for racing, there’s little doubt that Alexia is on the fast track to success. Whether it’s in F4, IndyCar, or eventually Formula 1, the world will be watching closely as this Swedish sensation continues to make her mark in the racing world.