Teenage racing driver Daniella Sutton has her sights set on the British F4 title as she kicks off her first season in the championship.
The 17-year-old, from Warrington, has signed with Chris Dittmann Racing for her F4 debut in 2026.
She will showcase her skills against some of the world’s top young drivers at iconic British venues like Brands Hatch, Donington Park, and Silverstone.
Sutton began her journey in karting, clinching the Total Karting Zero UK North Championship in 2022.
In 2024 and 2025, she transitioned from national kart racing to car racing by competing in the BRSCC Junior Championship.
However, her path to professional racing became challenging when she received a diagnosis of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) in 2021.
Ahead of her F4 testing week, Sutton shared her struggles with JIA: “For me, pain is constant.
“I can’t really remember a day where I woke up without stiffness or soreness in at least one joint. People don’t see that if I get a cold, I can be in immense pain.
“But throughout all of that, racing is my cure. The adrenaline I feel behind the wheel releases natural corticosteroids that alleviate my pain in that moment, making it even more meaningful to be behind the wheel.”
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Despite her diagnosis, Sutton remains committed to achieving her dreams and inspiring others.
She said: “I see it not as a responsibility. But as a commitment to show young girls they can have a future in this sport.
“More importantly, I want to demonstrate that those with JIA and hidden disabilities can push through pain and chase their dreams. My motto is, ‘diagnosis does not define you.’”
She aims to compete in the F1 Academy—a championship and development program exclusively for women—as a stepping stone toward her ultimate goal of becoming the first woman to win in Formula One.
She hopes to enter the F1 Academy as a ‘wildcard’ to gain global exposure. Especially with F1 Academy making an appearance at the British Grand Prix this year.
Sutton said: “I believe the F1 Academy offers a fantastic platform for female talent to shine on a global scale.
“This exposure will help pave the way for modern-day female Formula 1 drivers. It would be incredible to be picked up by an F1 team as an academy/development program driver. This backing would significantly support my journey.”
The Wera Tools F4 British Championship has been the launching pad for many drivers aspiring to reach Formula 1.
Notable alumni include current Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris and his teammate Oscar Piastri.
Daniella Sutton and CDR are eager to make a strong start at Donington Park on April 18th as the season unfolds.
Featured Image Credit: James Roberts Photography permission to use given by copyright holder
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