Katy Fairman

However, despite it being my biggest love, I never considered a career in racing. Not only was I wrapped up in the idea of becoming a teacher, but I placed motor racing on an untouchable pedestal that someone like me could never reach.

Then, one summer, I created this blog to pass the time during my school holidays. I had always enjoyed creative writing, but never once considered a career in it. Yet, when it came to picking my A Level subjects, I took a risk and shifted my career objective to motorsport journalist.

Soon I started to get opportunities through this blog, including the chance to write for publications like The Independent, BBC and Autosport before I had left college. I was also invited on trips which saw me working at the 2015 Hungarian and Belgian Grand Prix, as well as Formula E’s first race in Monaco.

The all-electric Formula E Championship really appealed to me as it was still new and finding its feet, something I could relate to. I decided to use it as a place to learn, and developed an understanding of how to work and operate in a motorsport championship whilst gaining confidence and skills that I could transfer anywhere.

I continued to write about motorsport as a side project for years, balancing a full-time job in marketing, until I joined WTF1 as their Website Editor in 2020. The brand, which labelled itself as “by fans for fans”, had always been a dream to work for, so when it instant ‘yes’ from me when I was offered the role.

What now?

In February of 2023, I made the jump and went freelance.

Since then I have been able to achieve my dream of working in the Formula 1 paddock, interviewing big personalities such as Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel and Nico Rosberg across race weekends.

My clients have included Sports Illustrated, Motor Sport Magazine and Autosport over the last few years.

I have also continued with Formula E, and am now their Championship Journalist. Yeah, quite the 360 I think you’ll agree. I have been a part of their editorial team for the last four seasons, regularly interviewing drivers and key team figures at races, as well as writing features and session reports. I’ve also appeared on their YouTube and social channels in a broadcast capacity, as a pundit and expert.

Away from writing, I also have the Small Torque Podcast which I relaunched in 2023. Designed to feel like a voice note from your motorsport bestie, it is a chance for me to chat about news and big talking points as well as document some of my adventures when travelling the world one pit lane at a time!

Motorsport UK Young Journalist of the Year Award

One of the proudest achievements of my career so far was winning the prestigious Motorsport UK Award at the end of 2024, which recognises the next generation of talent for those under 30.

Not only was it nice to still be referred to as ‘young‘, but it’s an award I have always followed and dreamt of winning. I also became the first woman in 20 years to receive this honour, something I am especially proud of.

The trophy sits front-and-centre of my office, and is a great reminder of how far I have come from blogging in my bedroom. I also received £1,000 to go towards my career, and attended the Night of Champions at the Royal Automobile Club.