Gianna Pascoal is South Africa’s sole representative in the 2026 More Than Equal Driver Development Programme, racing her way towards Formula 4.
South Africa (20 March 2026) – South African teenager Gianna Pascoal is stepping into a new phase of her racing career, with a global opportunity that places her among the most promising young drivers in the sport.
The 15-year-old South African has been selected as one of just five drivers worldwide for the More Than Equal Driver Development Programme. The international initiative is focused on fast-tracking female drivers into Formula racing. It’s a big moment, and one that puts her firmly among the sport’s most exciting young prospects.
She’s also the only South African in this year’s intake, joining a small group of drivers from Europe, Britain and Australia. The programme is known for being highly competitive and for opening doors to the next level of racing.
She only started karting at 11, a bit later than most, but quickly found her rhythm. Within a few seasons, she was already competing at the front of national ROK and Rotax series, making a name for herself as one to watch. Since then, she’s taken her talent overseas, representing South Africa at events like Champions of the Future, the FIA Academy Trophy and FIA Arrive and Drive. From Europe to the Middle East, she’s been building experience against some of the best young drivers out there.
“I’ve been lucky to discover motorsport, and the biggest thing for me has been learning quickly. Every time I’m on track, I try to learn something new and find another tenth of a second. That’s what I enjoy the most pushing myself and seeing how much faster I can go.”
Lately her schedule shows just how much things are moving. Alongside local races at Killarney Raceway, she’s also spent time in Vienna at a high-performance training camp designed to prepare drivers for the demands of Formula racing.
Now the next step is in motion as she is set to make her move into MSA Formula 4, officially stepping out of karting and into single-seater competition.
Her coach, Wesleigh Orr of WORR Motorsports, believes she’s more than ready.
“Her work ethic and race intelligence are at a level we typically see in far more experienced drivers. She absorbs information incredibly quickly and translates it into lap time. She has all the ingredients to climb the single-seater ladder and we can’t wait to see what she achieves next.”
International experiences are already under her belt and a big move into Formula 4 ahead. Now with this opportunity Gianna Pascoal is building her career one race at a time.
Sources: Supplied
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