In Conversation with Clara Stiebleichinger
Meet the up and coming Austrian racer who's forging her own path in the motorsport world.
Clara Stiebleichinger is an Austrian Formula 4 driver currently competing in the French Formula 4 Championship. Following an epic birthday present where she got to test Formula 4 machinery for the first time, the young Austrian was essentially set on her path down the motorsport road. With no time competing in karting and instead a stint in the Indian Racing League, Clara has taken an unconventional but fascinating route into the racing world so far and that has continued into this year as she plans to capitalize on her capabilities behind the wheel while unlocking more of her potential for the future. We caught up recently to talk about this, what it’s been like to compete in French Formula 4 so far this season, her plans and ambitions for the future and much more.
I hope you enjoy our conversation.
“It was really impressive also to drive an F4 car and to feel like you’re in an F1 car and be like, oh my god, this is so cool!” - Clara Stiebleichinger
Thiemo: What first got you interested in motorsport?
Clara: I started watching F1 with my Dad at a very young age. The first bits of what I remember is from the times where Sebastian Vettel was winning. My Dad always watched it and I was just joining him and I started to really get into it in 2017. Since then I just kind of watched every race, every qualifying, and I also created a friend group of mine and got everyone into it.
Then in 2021 it was the first time that I went to see F1 in real life in Austria, in Spielberg and it just, it really inspired me. I just love all the adrenaline and everything.
I think it’s like my path is kind of unusual because I feel like everyone starts with karting, but I never had that. So I just got into it with my Dad and then later on for my 18th birthday, I got a birthday present where I could try out a Formula car in France for one week.
It was a shootout programme. However, we kind of didn’t know that before. So we just came there and thought, oh yeah, I’ll have a week of fun with the F4.
Later on I talked with the team and told them that I would be really interested in working in F1. I asked if they can give me tips on how to achieve that. And then they told me, yeah, you should try to become a driver because there are not a lot of girls and I feel like they thought I have potential.
So that’s how everything kind of started.
Thiemo: Quite a good birthday present to get. To just go and test out an F4 car. How did that week go, how was the experience? Because like you said, that was your first time in. What was all that like?
Clara: Well, to be honest, everyone was so professional there. Like everyone came from karting or even did already F4 tests before.
So I was kind of like the only one who was new to everything. And I was like, oh, what an environment and everything. And the first couple of days, I just kind of enjoyed it.
And I thought it’s just an amazing experience. And then when I got to know everyone, they were really competitive and of course wanted to win that. But for me, I kind of didn’t have the feeling of winning this. But of course, I tried to improve as well. And yeah, at the end of the week, I was definitely not the fastest, but it was a lot of fun. And I really kind of got into it.
And it was really impressive also to drive an F4 car and to feel like you’re in an F1 car and be like, oh my god, this is so cool! And everything. So, it was a great week.
Thiemo: Was it during that week? Or was it before when you’re watching Formula One with your Dad that you decided that you wanted to go down this route and become a racing driver?? Or were you thinking about a different role maybe?
Clara: Well, I would say it was definitely after the week. Because still after the week, I was thinking, okay, I won’t become a racing driver. But all the experiences were great.
But then when I talked more with the team, they were more and more encouraging me to keep going. And they offered me winter tests. And that’s when step by step, I realised, okay, I might actually become a racing driver. And that was really unreal. So it was definitely after the week.
Thiemo: I was just thinking that first week, like you say, where you’re maybe just thinking it’s a bit of fun, not expecting anything from it. And then I think, now we could say it’s escalated a little bit.
Clara: Yeah, that’s true!
Thiemo: Last year, there’s two bits I want to talk to you about. One of them you mentioned already, which was the testing. What was that like? Because you say you went into this week, it’s a birthday present, you’re having fun and then suddenly you’re in the more serious environment, let’s say, you’re testing. So do you have any expectations of what you wanted to achieve from that? And was that different from what other people wanted from you? Or were you just treating it as I wasn’t expecting to be here?
Clara: Yeah, I think the first winter tests, I did them in the Gen 1 car. So not the Gen 2, but the Gen 1. And I feel like that I was still treating those tests like having fun.
I feel like my expectations were not that high. I was just like, okay, I give my best, I do my best. But in the end, I mean, I knew that I don’t have the experience like everybody else.
And I knew that I don’t have such high expectations for myself. I feel like that came later on. And also my parents were not really having high expectations.
I feel like they never even thought that we would be in this situation. But I feel like the team had expectations on me, but they were never pressuring me or anything. I just knew that they were like, yes, Clara, we know you can do that.
And they were like, I mean, also encouraging, but I knew that their expectations were probably higher than mine.
Thiemo: Did you find that that approach for you as well meant that you felt under less pressure from both yourself and them? So you were able to perform potentially better than if you were stressing and feeling like you had to meet certain expectations. Do you think that helps you perform better? Or are you someone who you need the pressure and you want the stress? And that’s what helps you?
Clara: Well, I feel like there needs to be a good balance between both of them because I feel like the first test we did, the team told me kind of like, yeah, you have to perform there. Because if you’re not fast, we’re not going to continue with this. Which obviously makes sense. So I feel like that was the first time that I had pressure. But when it went well, I feel like everybody was just relieved.
And then there was like no pressure at all anymore. And I could just really enjoy it. And I feel like that helped a lot. Because I feel like if you’re always just stressed out about it, then you feel like you have to perform. And that makes you make more mistakes, maybe. So I feel like I didn’t have that pressure at all in the beginning of those winter tests last year.
Thiemo: You went and competed in Indian F4, which is a whole other adventure in itself. So tell me all about that, because that must have been quite surreal.
Clara: Yeah, so since I did the shootout programme and all the testings with a French team, it was always the goal to go to French F4. But we knew that I have zero experience with racing and everything. So of course, we said, OK, I have to do something before because going into French F4 with zero experience would be not good for myself and for everyone around.
So we said, OK, we need to find a championship that’s, let’s say, relatively cheap. And also, I wouldn’t say the level is less, but there were for sure less people because in the European championships, they’re always competing at least 30 drivers or more, like in Italian, in Spanish, in French. And what was also really important is that the championship was driven with the Miguel car and not the Tatus because I was only used to that car.
So what came into our mind was the Indian championship because we found it and that’s where I went. And it was so good to gain all the experience and everything with how a race weekend works, how I overtake, how I defend, how a start goes and everything because I’ve never done karting again. So it’s like, I don’t know how it really works and I need to gain that experience.
Thiemo: There’s not many people I talk to that get into motorsport without any karting. So it’s quite an interesting perspective to get.
Clara: Yeah, exactly! So that’s the main reason why we did that. And in the end, it turned out to be a really good experience. And also the start up field is way less people. So we were about 15 or 16 people instead of 30 people, which makes everything a bit easier as well and less chaotic. So, yeah. Just as well, competing, completely different continent, completely different country.
Thiemo: Had you ever been to India before or was this your first time?
Clara: Yeah, no, I have never been to India before. My parents have been there before, but only for the holidays. So, of course, the country itself is really different from Europe, from what we’re used to. The people are different, their culture, their food and stuff.
So I kind of had to get used to it, especially the food, I would say, because they eat really spicy food.
Thiemo: Are you good with spicy food?
Clara: No, not at all! I kind of had to get my own food there. But in the end, to be honest, we were only there between the racetrack and our hotel. So I have not seen that much from India and we didn’t really have time to do some sightseeing. But it was definitely something that I had to get used to as well. And also the climate is different, like the weather and one weekend we had 40 degrees and it was humid like crazy so it was physically also a bit more exhausting.
Thiemo: Performance-wise as well, I think you had a highest finish of P4, so just off the podium. Was that something, like you say, you didn’t necessarily have expectations, but did you kind of want that podium a bit more after you got that people going close or were you just like, this is great people?
Clara: Yeah, well, I feel like I went there with really zero expectations. My parents went there with zero expectations. Everyone around me was like, okay, you’re just there to gain experience.
And then the first two weekends were incredible. Also performance-wise, like I finished my first race, I think P8 and then the second P6. So it was like going forward really quickly.
So of course I was really happy about the results. And then what you’re speaking of P4 was the first time that I was kind of frustrated with the result because I was really, really, really close to the podium. And I knew I could have been on the podium, but I made my own mistakes.
But now looking back at it, of course it’s like an amazing result. And I feel like I could have never imagined to be in that situation like ever. And so I just reached from no expectations to expectations of having a podium.
So I feel like that’s already a big step. So I can just be happy and proud of what I achieved.
Thiemo: Then obviously this year you’re competing in French F4. Why this championship in particular?
Clara: Again, it was probably because I worked already with a French team before.
So as I said, now I have to take this step to go to Europe to compete there because it’s the best level. They have great championships and everything. So I feel like the French championship was just because I was working with the team and was used to that car. So that was the first thing.
“For next year, my goal would be to go to the F1 Academy. I think it’s just a great way to get visibility and also to compete with the best women in this field.” - Clara Stiebleichinger
Thiemo: And then at the opening round already in Nogaro, how did that go from your perspective?
Clara: Quite a long weekend. Yeah, really long weekend. I’m super happy with the weekend overall. I think really a lot of positive things to take away. I feel like this year the level is really high. Really, really close as well with the gaps. Like from P1 to P22, we were in one second. So that’s incredible. But of course, I want to learn from the best and with the best. So it’s great to be in that pack. I think my qualifying performance, I have to get a bit of a step in qualifying performance.
However, I was still happy with the qualifying as well because I mean, one second from pole is not bad. Especially when it’s covering so many drivers as well.
Thiemo: It’s like the smallest thing here, the smallest thing there. Sometimes it’s just bad luck that you just don’t quite get it at the right angle.
Clara: Exactly. So I was just a bit unfortunate to be at the end of that pack. But then with the races, I had good starts, good opening laps with overtakes, defending. I mean, the second race was only with safety cars.
We had four safety cars. Yeah, that was a bit crazy. But especially the first race, it was great.
I overtook. I defended and just everything again to learn and everything. And then just the last race, I had an amazing start. I have to say it was the best I’ve done! But I got involved in an incident, so I had to retire. That was a bit of a shame to end the weekend like that.
But overall, I’m pretty happy. I did two female podiums and then two top 15 finishes. So that’s what I expected, to be honest.
Thiemo: I’m curious what, if anything, did you learn from when you were racing in India that’s helped you perform already in French F4? Is there something in particular that you’ve thought, oh, I’ve dealt with this before or there’s a better way of handling it that I now know about?
Clara: Yeah, I think what helped me a lot is just to be used to having cars around. Obviously, in the testing, you’re just alone. You’re driving on your own.
You’re just doing your thing. I remember also in India, that was the first thing I had to learn is having cars around and being so close to cars to follow them to make a move and stuff. So that helped for sure. And I feel like it also took a bit of my nerves before the first race. I mean, of course, I was excited and everything, but I felt like I was not so stressed out because I know how a start works. I know that it’s going to be crazy in the first lap.
So I feel like that experience from India was really, really helpful. And so I was just not being stressed out when three cars are wide or someone is so close to me. I’m not like being, oh my God, that car is too close to me. But moreover, I know how to handle the situation.
Thiemo: Looking ahead at the rest of the season, do you have any particular goals or ambitions that you want to achieve or are you simply taking it one race weekend at a time?
Clara: Of course, I’m just looking forward to the next race. I think we have great tracks like Spa and also Paul Riccard where we’re going. So I’m really, really excited for those tracks as well.
Next race will be in Dijon. So I’m just looking forward to them. But of course, one of the main goals would definitely be scoring points. At some point, we’ll see. I feel like now that the first race went so well, my expectations may be a bit higher than before. And since there are also like 10 women in our championship, we kind of have the women championship as well.
So this is like a side thing that I want to win as well. So, yeah.
Thiemo: What are your dreams, ambitions for the future? Do you have a particular end goal in mind or are you just still very much let’s just see what happens?
Clara: I’m kind of open to a lot of things, I would say. For next year, my goal would be to go to the F1 Academy. I think it’s just a great way to get visibility and also to compete with the best women in this field.
So I would be very excited to go there. However, of course, I’m not sure how this will work out or not because there are lots of women who do now like more seasons than two or something. So they’re not like a lot of places like it was this year because this year there were a lot of people. There are lots of rookies this year, but still like this would be the goal for next year and then just keep learning from there. I mean, looking forward to going to F3 or F2, I just think like, of course, it would be amazing.
But of course, it’s also a question of budget and everything. So I kind of see myself wherever, like I just want to go forward and see how I can progress, what I can do, but I would be open as well to do some GT racing or endurance racing. So I’m pretty open about whatever comes next.
Thiemo: And do you have a favourite motorsport memory so far?
Clara: Well, from racing side wise, I would say just. I don’t know, it’s just being in the car, it’s just being in the car. And I always have the joy of racing and have the adrenaline.
I really enjoyed racing as well on like F1 tracks like Spa or Paul Ricard. It’s an amazing feeling to know, OK, like F1 drivers have driven here before and now it’s me as well. And one of my favourite moments was definitely also just the first race in India.
After I was done and the first race was in rain. So yeah, and I just remember the feeling of just, oh my God, I did it. And I could have never imagined that even a year ago or a couple of months before.
Thiemo: So I feel like that was the first race in India, single seaters in the rain, opt-in finish. That’s not too bad.
Clara: No, exactly! So I feel like that’s one of my favourite moments.
Thiemo: On the other side of that, what has been the most challenging moment for you so far?
Clara: I think challenging is to not get stuck in my head. That if I, especially also during races, make mistakes that I don’t get stuck on those mistakes.
But to move forward and to kind of forget it or even like in India, it was like we had three races in one day. So if the first race didn’t go well, I was kind of stressed out and kept those mistakes with me for the other two races. And I just had to learn to let those go and move forward and concentrate on the things that are happening now and not get stuck on the things that happened in the past.
Thiemo: No, definitely. I think that’s something you have to deal with, especially in that situation, because there’s just no time to focus on that because you’ve got to get on with the next thing and the next thing and the next thing.
And you see that as well with French F4 this season. You had what, five practise sessions on Friday? And then you get straight into qualifying, straight into the race, two races, and then another race. So there’s no real time to feel bad about yourself if you have made any mistakes or to think about it. But at the same time, if you’ve got something you want to improve on, you don’t have long to figure out how to solve it either.
So it’s that weird balance as well. Final question for you then, which I think may be linked a little bit to what you’re talking about your first time in the car in India. What does it mean to you to be a racing driver?
Clara: Well, now it means the world to me. It became such an important thing in my life. And it’s just so incredible for me that I have this amazing opportunity, which I never could have even dreamed of. Literally, I couldn’t even dream of being in this position. I never thought that it would be possible. So right now, it’s just a really big passion of mine. And it really makes me happy and keeps me going.
And it’s just amazing to be part of such a world and to meet so many new people, so many travels so far and everything. It’s just an incredible environment. And it’s just amazing to be part of such a community.
Thiemo: Perfect way to finish up the interview, I think. Best of luck for everything else moving forward for the rest of the year. I’ll be watching. Thank you.
Clara: Thank you so much for the invitation.
*
French Formula 4 returns June 19th-21st in Spa, Belgium.