In this Q&A interview, the Bogota native asses her 2020 season and discusses her racing programs for 2021; speaks about her work on the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, her support to the FIA’s Girls on Track initiative, and more.
A DRIVER’S PROFILE
The nine-year-old kid who once stepped into a go-kart in Colombia, only to find her passion for motorsports, has come a long way since that flame ignited.
The 27-year-old racing driver has naturally turn into a leading force figure for women in motorsports, serving as an example for many girls who share the same dream; to become a professional racing driver.
Tatiana Calderon has been keen to capitalize on opportunities that paved the way for achievements she is writing on motorsports history books while behind the wheel of the fastest single-seaters in the world.
Those are opportunities racing drivers do not find too often, in such a competitive sport, regardless of gender.
The first Latin American female driver at the wheel of a Formula One has built a career based on a fierce competitor spirit, talent, determination, relentless work - in and outside the track, and self-awareness.
In 2021, Calderon is returning to the racetrack to compete at the Japanese Super Formula championship with the Three Bond Drago Corse team.
The accomplished driver will combine her driver duties in Japan with a full-time program, racing for the Richard Mille Racing Team in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Always in good spirits, the Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN test driver and ambassador took time out to speak to Sports Pundit.
How did you deal with the challenges presented by the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020?
It was a big challenge in many ways. It was my first time in Japan driving the quickest cars after F1 in Super Formula. My first year, as well, doing endurance racing, sharing the car - an Oreca 07 powered by a Gibson engine.
On top of that, it was a huge challenge [to deal] with the traveling restrictions and a lot of uncertainty, for sure, it has been one of the years I have learnt the most.
It was a test of my patience, and in a way, it reminded us to focus on the present and not thinking or planning too much ahead. To be honest, I enjoyed this challenge.
I focused on doing what I was sure I could do today and stop worrying about things that were not in my power to change them, and this helped me a lot. I was in very good physical shape and focused on enjoy every opportunity I had.
How would you describe your journey in Japan while competing at the Super Formula championship?
It has been amazing, and I have learnt a lot in and outside of the car. It’s been the most demanding year and challenge of my career; it was my first time in all the circuits, with the culture and the team, which was also new to the series.
Not having a teammate was very difficult at the beginning, and the communication, the way they work it is very different from the European way, so it was not easy, but I love new challenges!
Could you elaborate on the differences between competing in Super Formula and the FIA Formula 2 championship?
It is two completely different worlds in many aspects. The Super Formula has a lot more downforce, very different tires; you have power steering, so even my training has changed. The tracks are very narrow, demanding, and challenging.
In general, there are plenty of differences, but both championships are a great way to prepare yourself to compete in the top classes of motorsport.
What would you highlight from the experience of debuting in one of the greatest races in motorsport, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as part of the all-women Richard Mille Racing Team?
A dream come true for me to compete in Le Mans, to finish on our first attempt, to get to do both, the start and finish the race, and on top of that, compete against my idol Juan Pablo Montoya.
It’s one of the most incredible races in the world, so it was a privilege to be able to race and finish in the top 10! I am very grateful to the whole Richard Mille Racing Team and the FIA Women in Motorsport for this amazing opportunity! A race I will remember forever.
Richard Mille Racing is joining the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) for the 2021 season with an all-female driver’s line up, comprising Sophia Floersch, Beitske Visser, and yourself.
What are the main goals for the team ahead of the upcoming season?
It is a shame Katherine [Legge] is not part of the line up too, I also had a great relationship with her. But of course, it is a huge step to be racing in the WEC and in such a competitive category like LMP2!
It won’t be easy, but now, we have a year of experience with the car, and our goal is to be fighting hard for top positions. We will give our best and see where we end up.
It will be very high level, and it is when you learn the most, so looking forward to the challenge.
Will you continue to fulfill the role of test driver and ambassador within the Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN F1 team in 2021?
I hope so, we are in discussions, but I would love to stay with the team. They are like my second family, and it is a tremendous pleasure to work with them.
They gave me my first opportunity in F1, and I hope we can continue to grow together to greater things!
Last week, FIA’s Girls on Track student, 16-year-old Maya Weug, became the first Ferrari Driver Academy female driver, awarded with a one-year contract and a full season in a Formula 4 championship certified by the FIA.
How would you outline the current scenario for women in racing?
I wish I were 16 again! I am very happy to see opportunities like these come for the next generation. A big congratulations to the whole FIA Women in Motorsport Commission for making this possible.
It is a huge opportunity to be part of the Ferrari Driver Academy, it has been a lot of work behind it, and I am sure this is just the beginning of a great progress for women in the sport.
You posted on social media that tennis is your second love. Which player inspires you the most and why?
I had to choose between tennis and motorsport, so I am a big fan of the sport!
In my opinion, the greatest athlete of all time is Roger Federer! He has inspired me in so many ways, both in and outside of the court. He is a real example of a complete athlete.
Which similarities do you notice between the sports?
I think there are always many similarities with [motorsport and] tennis, one has to anticipate a lot, have a good feeling to change the way you want to hit the ball. It requires a lot of explosivity, as well, and every shot is unique, so adaptation is key, very similar to racing.