Former F1 test driver Simona de Silvestro is set to make a surprising career switch and compete in the Winter Olympics in Italy. With a brief stint as an 'affiliated driver' with Sauber in 2014, de Silvestro is now one of the most prominent female drivers in motorsport, having raced in the IndyCar Series 71 times between 2010 and 2022. But here's where it gets interesting: she's now trading her racing suit for a bobsleigh helmet.
De Silvestro's journey to the Olympics began with a private test in 2012, where she drove a 2012-spec Sauber at Fiorano. The test was part of a development scheme aimed at making her a candidate for a 2015 race seat. However, her F1 dreams were short-lived as the team and driver parted ways later that year. Now, at 37, de Silvestro is focusing on her new passion: bobsleigh.
Her recent qualification for the Winter Olympics, which will be held in Italy from February 6th to 22nd, is a testament to her dedication and talent. She will represent Italy in the Milano Cortina games, showcasing her versatility and determination. In a recent social media post, de Silvestro expressed her excitement, saying, 'We officially made it. We're going to the Olympic Games. It all started with a dream that I wasn’t scared to chase! I cannot wait to represent Italy in Milano Cortina 2026.'
Despite her switch to bobsleigh, de Silvestro remains connected to motorsport through her work as a pundit for SRF Sport in Switzerland. Her journey from F1 test driver to Olympic athlete is an inspiring tale of pursuing one's passions and overcoming challenges. As she prepares to compete on the world's stage, her story serves as a reminder that anything is possible with determination and a belief in oneself.
