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Mathilda Paatz is one of three ladies competing in the F4 CEZ championship this year. The young German driver aims to score points regularly and already secured her first points during the opening event at the Red Bull Ring.
Mathilda, you are making a move to the F4 CEZ championship. Can you share with us your story about why you chose this series and which team you are planning to race with?
I chose the F4 CEZ championship because it’s very close to Germany, and it features fantastic tracks that offer great racing opportunities. Over the past few years, the series has gained significant recognition as many new drivers have joined, making it highly competitive and the perfect stage to showcase my skills. This season, I’ll be racing for Mathilda Racing, which is the team my father usually runs in touring cars. It’s exciting to transition into Formula 4 with the same team, and it feels great to be a part of their journey into this new motorsport challenge. It’s our first year in F4, so there is a lot to learn, and the F4 CEZ offers an ideal platform to do just that!
So Mathilda Racing is named after you, right?
Yes, exactly! When my father founded his own racing team about 15 years ago, I was just a year old. Back then, no one could have imagined that I would one day be driving for that very same team. The name “Mathilda Racing” has been known for quite some time, especially at the Nürburgring, where my father was successful in the TCR category – including races like the 24 Hours. Now we’re shifting our focus to Formula 4, and it’s a really special feeling for me to race in our family team and hopefully continue the legacy of success together.
Looking ahead to your participation in the F4 CEZ, what specific goals have you set for yourself, and how are you preparing to achieve them?
This is my second season in single-seaters, and my main goal is to score points, achieve podium finishes, and hopefully secure a win. I also have my eyes set on winning the Ladies Cup – that’s a major target for me this year! I am focused on being consistent, working closely with my team, and continuously improving to reach these goals. Every race is a chance to grow, and I’m determined to make the most of it.
Have you already driven on any race track that is in the F4 CEZ calendar?
I haven’t had the chance to drive on any of the tracks in the F4 CEZ calendar yet, so it won’t be easy for me. I will have to learn a lot about the new circuits, but I’m confident in my ability to adapt quickly. The track I am most excited about is the Red Bull Ring. It’s a short yet very fast circuit, surrounded by beautiful mountains and featuring some real elevation changes – a bit like a mini Nordschleife!
In 2024, you made the transition to single-seater racing by joining the French Formula 4 Championship. What were the biggest challenges you faced during this shift from karting to formula racing?
The biggest challenge for me was definitely adjusting to a bigger car and the larger, more complex tracks. But I quickly learned how to adapt and found my rhythm despite the steep learning curve. I did make a few mistakes along the way, which meant I had to pay some “tuition” at certain races. In single-seaters, small errors can cost you a lot of time. The most challenging part was developing my accuracy and consistency, but I feel I’ve made significant steps in that area now.
Competing in the Formula Winter Series with AS Motorsport, you secured the female trophy in the Barcelona finale. Can you share your thoughts on this accomplishment and how it has influenced your confidence?
It felt amazing to win the female trophy in Barcelona. We were hoping to secure it earlier in the season, but we had some struggles along the way. We didn’t give up though; we learned from our mistakes and kept improving. The success in Barcelona wasn’t just luck – it was the result of hard work from everyone in the team. It was such a relief to finally see the results of our dedication, and being back on the podium was a great feeling. It definitely boosted my confidence, and I can’t wait to keep that momentum going this season.
What has been the most memorable moment in your racing career?
Apart from my two third-place finishes in karting at the German Championship and my double win in the Mini class, I’d say the most memorable moment was stepping into Formula 4. My first single-seater season was special, and securing a top 10 in qualifying and starting from the front row in Magny-Cours was a huge milestone. It felt like a massive achievement after all the hard work I put in.
Looking further into the future, what are your long-term aspirations in motorsport?
As this is my second year, I’m definitely looking ahead to higher levels of racing. Maybe the F1 Academy is a possibility for the future. This year, I’ll focus on doing my best in F4 CEZ and see how it all goes. As I progress, the next steps will become clearer. But one thing is certain – I want to stay in Formula racing and rise as high as possible in the motorsport world.
I have also heard that you are aspiring to compete in the F1 Academy. How close is the possibility that we will see you there one day? And with which team?
I think I have the pace to compete at a high level, so if the opportunity to join the F1 Academy comes up, I’m confident I can make it there. All the teams are fantastic, and I already have some initial connections – for example with Red Bull. Tim Tramnitz and I both come from the ADAC Stiftung Sport and also train at the same fitness center. I’ve also raced in the same karting team as Niklas Schaufler, and even with Andrea Kimi Antonelli – who now drives for Mercedes in Formula 1. I also had the same mechanic who used to work with Kimi. It’s amazing what he has already achieved. For me, the F1 Academy would be an important step to follow a similar path. I’d be thrilled to get a seat and experience racing at such a prestigious level, especially in the Formula 1 support program.
