By Stephania Olivera
Katy Fairman decided to start a motorsport blog when she was 17 years old. Since then, she has been able to travel across the world pursuing her motorsports interest - which has taken her to media pens, paddocks, and races. She has now established herself as a respected voice in the business, covering events like Formula E and Formula 1.
The writer noted that it took her seven or eight years from creating her first motorsport content to secure a full-time job in the field. During those years, she used all her vacation days from previous positions in hairdressing and marketing to pursue her passion for writing about different championships.
"I got to a point where I was just spending all my own money to get to events," Katy says. "Every trip I went on, I loved it because I got to be with fast cars and cool people that drive them."
Heading back home after another epic weekend with the @FIAFormulaE family 💙
Monaco was incredible and shows just how good the racing can be around this iconic circuit! So happy that this is my job 🥹 #MonacoEPrix pic.twitter.com/hCW2eLQ5Ak— Katy Fairman (@katyfairman) May 7, 2023
Recently, the journalist launched a new podcast called "Small Torque," which has reached the top 3 on the UK's top sports podcast and aims to dive into the "informal look at the big talking points from the world of motorsport."
Even with her initial doubts about the success of Small Torque, Katy's self-belief grew stronger when she decided to leave her previous job at WTF1 and go freelance. "I really had a sense of empowerment and self-belief in myself that I've never really had before in my career," she says.
Fairmann has found success with her podcast and is proud for leaping to pursue her career path, proving that passion and drive for motorsport journalism continue to thrive in a new venture.
So... I have started a solo podcast. Join me for a cup of tea and a fun, informal look at the big talking points from the world of motorsport!
First episode all about the new series of Drive To Survive is LIVE now 😍
How to listen: https://t.co/H3sIXSGjfb pic.twitter.com/TzCPtIvjKD— Katy Fairman (@katyfairman) February 24, 2023
Fairman revealed that she recently signed a contract with Sports Illustrated, a prominent magazine publication in the United States, where she will be conducting interviews with people in Formula One, including drivers and team bosses: "Whenever I watch the Formula One and stuff, I'm always thinking, Oh, I'd love to ask this driver this question or that question, and so now I'll be able to do it, which is really nice."
Fairman also discussed her coverage of Formula E, a championship she had followed since its inception almost a decade ago. She acknowledged learning everything through making her own mistakes and networking, as well as expressing enthusiasm about returning to the paddock to cover the races in person.
When asked for advice on breaking into the male-dominated motorsports industry, she emphasized the importance of patience and perseverance. "Believe in yourself and understand that although you might be working hard, these things can take time".
That’s my podcast on a billboard in Leicester Square. Without doubt one of the most surreal moments of my life. Huge thanks to the team at @SpotifyUK for this opportunity.
Thank you so much to everyone who has shown it some love or listened. You’re the best. Wow 🥹🥹🥹 pic.twitter.com/9BXVm2vrMN— Katy Fairman (@katyfairman) April 28, 2023
