Esmee, from Wijk bij Duurstede in the Netherlands, began karting at the age of eight, securing several podium finishes before being selected to participate in the FIA Women in Motorsport – Girls on Track: Rising Stars programme.
Among 20 promising young racers, Esmee was one of just 12 drivers chosen to attend a three-day training camp at Circuit Paul Ricard. Her performance impressed the judges, earning her a place among the top eight who advanced to the next stage at the prestigious Winfield Racing School – where she had her first experience of Formula 4 machinery.
Building on that momentum, Esmee joined the Knac Nationale Autosport Federatie (KNAF) Academy, which supports Dutch motorsport talent across four progressive levels. Transitioning into car racing via the Ford Fiesta Sprint Cup Benelux, she became the first woman to win in the series. In 2023, she finished second in the Junior Cup and third in the overall standings.
Esmee has since broadened her experience across multiple disciplines. She claimed a podium finish during her first weekend in a Radical in the Supercar Challenge, competed in the BMW M2 Cup alongside the DTM, and participated in ice drifting in Sweden – all of which have helped to hone her racecraft and adaptability.
Last year, she was named Best Female Driver in the Lamera Cup and made her F4 debut at the Madras International Circuit in India, finishing within the top 11 in all four races across the weekend.
20
