Celebrating the launch of the 2022 V-Series Blackwing, American luxury car manufacturer Cadillac enlists young racing champion Amna Al Qubaisi to put the new CT5-V Blackwing to the test. Setting a record time around Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit, at just 2:20.98 minutes, the everyday performance vehicle was crowned the “Fastest Production Sedan” to complete the track.
Not only recognized for setting records in the new Cadillac, Amna Al Qubaisi is honored as the first Emirati female driver to ever participate in the sport. As the daughter of Khaled Al Qubaisi, the first Emirati to compete at the 24 hours of Le Mans race, as well as the older sister to Italian F4 racer Hamda Al Qubaisi — making history in competitive racing runs in the family.
I’ve been told that parents allowed their daughters to compete in male-dominated sports because of what I’ve accomplished.
A pioneering figure for female representation in racing, a role she holds with great responsibility, at just 21 years old Amna’s vast achievements far exceed her age. From being celebrated as a national treasure to presenting Lewis Hamilton with DHL’s fastest lap award, her story is an inspiration to the new generation of stars flourishing from the region.
HYPEBEAST spoke to the racing icon to discuss her childhood, the importance of representation as well as the new Cadillac V-Series Blackwing.
HYPEBEAST: Tell us a bit about your journey into racing?
Amna Al Qubaisi: I started karting when I was 14, and that was my introduction into professional racing. I competed nationally and internationally in karting for 4 years, and once I turned 19, I moved up to Formula 4. I spent two seasons in Europe, competing in F4, and in 2019 I won my last F4 race in the UAE during the F1 GP. Now, I’ve started my second season in F3 Asia.
You come from a family of drivers. Is there a competitive spirit amongst you all?
Competition is in our DNA. We love to compete and push each other, just like it’s Mario Kart. But it’s always friendly, we respect each other and are always there for advice and support.
As the first female Emirati driver, how does it feel to be a beacon of hope for aspiring drivers in the region?
I’m really honored to be a role model for girls in the region. I’ve been told that parents allowed their daughters to compete in male-dominated sports because of what I’ve accomplished. It makes me happy that I’m able to open doors and create opportunities for others to follow their dreams.
Why is representation important to you?
I think it’s vital to share your story and experiences with others. It can create opportunities, fuel others’ success, and break down barriers.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome in your career?
Every race weekend is a challenge, you never know what might happen. Recently, I had a near-fatal crash, and jumping back into the car a week later was a challenge. The fear of someone suddenly breaking right in front of you, while you’re driving 200mph, was hard to overcome. But slowly and surely, I’ve gotten my confidence back.
Where do you see racing in the UAE growing in the future?
I can see the slow but steady incline already. Many locals are now competing in karting, nationally and internationally. Having one of the best F1 racing tracks in the world also helps to attract talent to the sport.
What do you look for in the design of a car?
The body shape, the curves, the aerodynamics, the headlights, and the rear of the car. But my favorite feature is the grille. That’s the first thing I look at when I look at a car.
How would you describe your everyday style? What do you like wearing outside of the racetrack?
I like to mix it up, but I’d say my style would be ‘elegant meets street fashion’. I love all-black outfits, but I always add a pop of color by wearing statement shoes or a colorful purse. I like to experiment with my style, so you’ll often see me go from ‘80s vibes to casual to street fashion.
What is your relationship with Cadillac? Any memorable stories that you have of the brand?
For as long as I can remember, my father would take me around the city or the racetracks in his Cadillac Escalade. We’d even go to the desert with it. We’d camp out in the back of the trunk and watch my siblings ride the quads up and down the dunes. We would even sleep in the Escalade at night instead of the tent!
What stood out to you when driving the new CT5-V Blackwing?
The ultimate track capability. There’s this nice, red V button on the steering wheel that turns the car into a monster. It’s a car that stands out from the crowd.
What are your favorite features of the car?
Of course, the front grille is my favorite. But the suspension and the brakes are outstanding. The same brakes can be found in a real race car, so the performance is unbelievable. It also has custom launch control, and the sound of the engine roaring is just magnificent.
What advice would you give aspiring racing drivers?
Keep on persisting, keep pushing yourself, and don’t let one setback stop you entirely. Otherwise, you’ll never know how far and wide you could go.
Check out Cadillac’s documentary of Amna Al Qubaisi racing the CT5-V Blackwing at Yas Marina Circuit here.
wazup.