Maya begins international go-kart career with dreams of making it to F1 Academy

PETALING JAYA: She may be taking her first steps in karting, but Maya Zoffea Mohd Zuhri (pic) is already dreaming of flying the Malaysian flag on an F1 Academy podium.

The 14-year-old hopes her introduction to international karting as the inaugural driver of Canadian-based Contigo Racing will pave the way towards single-seater racing.

Currently based in North America, Maya has competed in Malaysia, Spain and Canada, gaining experience as she works towards her ambitions.

“I work every day so one day I can stand on an F1 Academy podium and make everyone who believed in me and stayed with me proud,” said Maya.

Although she left Malaysia aged three and has lived in several countries due to her father’s work commitments, her connection to home remains strong.

“I am a Malaysian citizen, and I have a Malaysian flag on my suit.”

Her father introduced her to karting, with their training sessions together in Spain sparking a serious interest in the sport.

Maya received encouragement in her pursuit with a second-place finish in her category at the MADRL Championship in Canada.

“When I race, all my problems fade away. I love how it makes me focus.

“The podium is always the goal, but the journey is what makes you the driver who deserves to stand on it,” added Maya, who draws inspiration from Max Verstappen’s resilience and Daniel Ricciardo’s sportsmanship.

Now Maya is preparing for further international outings, including the FLKC Karting Championship in Florida in December and the IAME Asia Pacific Games in Kuala Lumpur early next year.