My F1 OC :3
Birth Name: Catalina Del Vecchio
Nickname: Cat (looks around.)
Parents: Chiara Del Vecchio & Valentino Rossi
Birthday: April 28th, 1999
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Height: 170cm (5’7)
MBTI Type: ENTP
Nationality: Italian
Starts karting at 4 (she was never interested in bikes)
F4 wdc at 15, F3 at 16-17, wdc at 18, F1 at 19
Prema 15-17, Mercedes Reserve 18, Mercedes Driver 19+
She races under the number '68'
Won her first wdc with Merc at 22 in 2021
Her parents were never officially together
Her mom was a grid girl 1995-2000
Valentino had full custody of her
She's super close to her uncle Maro (Luca Marini)
She loves her little half-sisters Guilietta and Gabriella
She likes having a different last name from her father
She grew up super close to Jack, Max and Mick
She got her undergraduate degree in Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Stanford University (mainly online)
F4: A Record-Breaking Start
At just 15 years old, Catalina entered the Italian F4 Championship, and it quickly became evident that she was a force to be reckoned with. Despite being one of the youngest drivers on the grid, she showcased maturity and skill beyond her years. Her aggressive yet calculated driving style earned her multiple pole positions and race victories, culminating in her clinching the championship in her rookie season.
Her dominance in F4 not only set records but also turned heads in the racing world. With her wins came comparisons to legends, though Catalina remained focused on her own path. She credited her success to years of hard work in karting and the unwavering support of her father, who was often seen cheering her on at the track — when the MotoGP calendar allowed.
F3: A Star in the Making
Catalina’s move to FIA Formula 3 at 16 marked her entry into a more competitive and physically demanding series. Racing for Prema Racing, she faced seasoned rivals and tighter competition, but Catalina thrived under pressure. Her second year in F3 was nothing short of sensational. She battled wheel-to-wheel with some of the best young drivers, delivering standout performances that often left fans and commentators in awe.
Her crowning achievement came at the end of her second season when she won the F3 World Championship at just 17, making history yet again as one of the youngest champions ever. Her ability to adapt, take risks, and recover from setbacks was unmatched, solidifying her reputation as a future Formula 1 star.
Despite the immense pressure, Catalina remained grounded, attributing her success to her team — prema — her family, and her unyielding passion for racing. She often said that her father taught her to “focus on the process, not the outcome,” a mantra she carried into every race.
The Transition to F1: Breaking Barriers
After winning the F3 title, Catalina made the jump to Formula 2 at 18, but her time there was brief. Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team quickly took notice of her talent and announced her as their reserve driver in the same year — after spending an undisclosed amount of money to buy her from Prema/Ferrari. This decision sparked excitement and curiosity across the motorsport community, with many seeing it as a sign of Mercedes’ commitment to nurturing young talent.
In late 2018 Mercedes confirmed Catalina as a full-time Formula 1 driver for the 2019 season. The announcement was a historic moment, as Catalina became the youngest female driver to join the F1 grid. She described the moment as "surreal," standing on stage alongside Toto Wolff as the world celebrated her achievement.
Catalina’s promotion to Formula 1 was a testament to her relentless hard work and undeniable skill. It also symbolized the breaking of barriers in a sport traditionally dominated by men. As she prepared for her rookie season, Catalina expressed her gratitude for the opportunity while vowing to prove herself worthy of the iconic Mercedes seat.
“I’m a Formula 1 driver and I'm here to win,” she said during her unveiling. “This is just the beginning.”
2019 Australian GP
Catalina's first Formula 1 race was supposed to be the crowning moment of her journey, but fate had other plans. Her chassis caught fire midway through the race, forcing her to retire. Standing in front of the press after the chaotic day, Catalina's exhaustion was evident — not just from the race but from the patronizing questions that awaited her.
As soon as she stepped into the media pen, the male-dominated press wasted no time in making her feel out of place.
“So, Catalina, do you think Formula 1 is a bit too demanding for you, considering today’s result?” one journalist asked, the first of the group to speak coherently.
Another chimed in, “Do you think your lack of experience played a role in the incident? Have you considered that maybe Mercedes rushed you into F1 too quickly?”
Catalina, trying to maintain her composure, responded curtly, “The fire was caused by a mechanical failure, not by my driving or my experience. It’s unfortunate, but these things happen in motorsport. As I drove a spark flew into an unsecure part of my chassis and the heat and moisture from my engine led to it catching ablaze.”
But the questions kept coming, each one dripping with subtle (and not-so-subtle) sexism.
“Do you think you have what it takes to compete with the big boys? After all, it’s a steep learning curve.”
“Do you feel guilty for not delivering for Mercedes today?”
Her patience was wearing thin. Catalina clenched her jaw, forcing a smile as she spoke up.
“Let me make one thing clear,” she said, her voice steady but laced with malice. “This isn’t about me being a woman in Formula 1. It’s about me being a driver in Formula 1. Cars catch fire. Parts fail. It’s part of the sport, and I don’t see anyone asking my male colleagues if they’re too ‘inexperienced’ or if they ‘belong’ here when they retire due to technical issues. Did you ask Ricciardo this when he had to retire when his front wing fell apart? Or when Kubica made contact with Gasly?”
The crowd of journalists shifted uncomfortably, but she wasn’t done.
“Let’s focus on what actually matters, shall we? I’m here to compete, and I’ve earned my place on this grid. I've worked just as hard if not harder than some of the people on the gird alongside me regardless of what's in my pants that seems to bother you all so deeply. If anyone doubts that, they can keep doubting me while I prove them wrong on track. Is that all?”
Catalina’s words cut through the noise, silencing the room momentarily. Some journalists looked taken aback; others nodded in reluctant agreement.
As she walked away from the pen, her head held high, the moment sent a powerful message. Catalina Del Vecchio was more than ready to fight — not just against her rivals on the track but against the outdated perceptions that plagued the sport.
