Interview
‘I don't think I could have a better match for this year’ – Granada embracing new challenges in her first single-seaters season
Natalia Granada proved her potential with a podium finish on her single-seater debut in Shanghai, but the Sephora driver recognises that there are still plenty of challenges to come.
The 18-year-old previously only had experience in karting and GTs before she took part in the inaugural F1 ACADEMY Rookie Test, which subsequently saw her promoted to a full-time seat with reigning Teams’ Champions PREMA Racing.
Despite her relative inexperience, Granada impressed from the get-go at the Shanghai International Circuit as she qualified in seventh place before converting it to a confident P2 finish in the Reverse Grid Race.
Outlining the early differences she has found in the Series, Granada said: “Compared to my go-kart experience, which is what I had up until now, it’s definitely a completely different car.
“We're handling an actual mechanical grip, some aerodynamics – it's a completely different thing, but I think it's very important as a driver, especially early in our careers, to experience different cars and to learn to handle all of them, handle new aspects of each different car and it's very exciting to be able to get more comfortable with it.”
Granada added that a crucial factor in being able to produce strong results so quickly is the support around her from Sephora and PREMA. While this season marks the makeup brand’s first time as an Official Partner in F1 ACADEMY, the 18-year-old believes her place in the highly-experienced Italian squad will be a perfect combination.
“I think it's such a great platform for me personally as a driver, and then to be able to represent such a brand on this stage is a great responsibility,” she said. “Let's work towards building a good year.
“I'm sure I have a great team beside me with PREMA, who I've had the chance to work with previously. I don't think I could have a better match for this year.”
After securing her maiden podium, Granada faced her first setback as she made contact with Racing Bulls’ Rafaela Ferreira on the opening lap of the Feature Race and had to head to the pits for a new front wing, which limited her to P14 at the chequered flag. Nevertheless, the Spanish driver recognises the need for patience as she sets her sights on regular points-scoring finishes.
“Definitely there are challenges coming up,” she summarised. “It's hard to predict how many, but it will be a very interesting season. A lot of learning, my first single-seater racing year, so I think there will be many aspects to get comfortable with, to have a bit more experience in.
“Advancing through the year, there will be changes. There have been multiple seasons of F1 ACADEMY. I don't think how it starts sets how the season will end.
“Also considering we have a lot of rookies this year, this season, and some very experienced drivers are repeating. Let's see, but definitely the goal is to be up there consistently. Time will tell exactly where we can be.”