How it started

From toys to the real thing

My journey started with a love of Hot Wheels and remote-control cars — something I explored on my own while bringing my family along for the ride.

Ana Palestro as a small child, lying on the floor and hugging a red toy race car with white stripes

Ana Palestro at age 12 in January 2022, smiling behind her lit-up LEGO Technic Porsche 911 RSR on a wooden table

01 · Childhood

Building with LEGO Technic

That love grew into a hands-on passion: reading, building complex LEGO models, and collaborating with my father to design and build a full-scale racing simulator.

LEGO Technic to F4

02 · 2023

First laps

My first real experience on a racetrack came in 2023, as a passenger during a Sonoma Raceway ride-along with professional drift driver Zandara Kennedy.

It was an experience so inspiring that I shared it with the world on YouTube.

Ana Palestro smiling from the passenger seat of Zandara Kennedy's drift car at Sonoma Raceway

Watch the ride-along

03 · 2024

First competition

In 2024, I represented Washington State at the K1 U.S. Finals at K1 Circuit in Southern California.

Drivers, including Ana Palestro, seated in their karts in the pit lane at the K1 U.S. Finals at K1 Circuit — In the pit lane at the K1 U.S. Finals.

04 · 2025

F4: Year one

My first time in an F4 car made me appreciate what an amazing opportunity I had. I worked hard to become a better driver. I finished my rookie-development season with confidence, pride, and wins! In 2026, my second F4 season, I joined Kiwi Motorsport and lead the Women’s Racing Series on 45 points heading into the Sonoma finale, November 6–8.

Ana Palestro in her white helmet with an orange visor, seated in her F4 car in the rain at Buttonwillow — At the 2025 season finale at Buttonwillow, I demonstrated my skill in treacherous rain conditions.

Ana Palestro holding a trophy with members of her team at Buttonwillow Raceway — At 15, I closed out my 2025 rookie-development season by crossing the finish line first in six of the final eight WRS races.

05 · Next

My future: F1 Academy, F1 & IndyCar

I've been chasing this dream since I was four. I learn from the tough days and appreciate the good days.

I get better every day and more skilled with every race.

Everything I do on and off the track brings me closer to my ultimate goals: F1 Academy, then F1 and IndyCar.

Partner with Ana 2026 results

Ana Palestro putting on her racing suit before a session at Laguna Seca

Ana Palestro walking through the paddock in her racing suit at Laguna Seca