Diana reveals why she swapped a stable teaching job for life in the fast lane

I'm not unveiling a Ferrari,” corrects Diana Pundole, flashing a smile that could rival the gleam of the car behind her.

- BY MANJUSHA RADHAKRISHNAN

“I'm unveiling MY Ferrari.”

That single correction, told without a hint of arrogance, tells you everything you need to know about India’s first female racing driver — composed, confident, and completely in control.

We meet in Dubai, moments before she’s unveiled her very own white and blue 296 Ferrari Challenge car.

“It’s a Ferrari race car,” she says, eyes lighting up.

“So that makes it even more special. And you know, when you think about it as a child, I’ve always dreamt of having a Ferrari, and it has gone one step further because it’s a Ferrari race car. It’s not even road legal. It is amazing. It is a real dream come true. And I’m so proud that I’ve got myself to this position.”

Soon, she’ll be taking her Ferrari across some of the most famous Formula One tracks in the Middle East. “I am going to cover Saudi, Doha, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi. I’m really looking forward to these fabulous, world-renowned tracks.”

In a world where racing is often viewed as a male-dominated, testosterone-charged sport, Diana, a mother of two and a teacher hopeful from Pune, has shattered the glass ceiling by claiming the national championship title in the saloon category at the MRF Indian National Car Racing Championship 2024, held in Chennai.

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