New York-based fragrance and lifestyle brand Auraah has named Indian-American Formula 4 driver Yana Kapoor as its brand ambassador. The partnership aligns Kapoor's 2026 racing season with World Speed Motorsports and represents a milestone for the emerging talent on her path to the F1 Academy.
Key Facts
• Yana Kapoor, a two-time KA100 Junior Champion, will compete in the full 2026 Formula Pro USA F4 Championship with World Speed Motorsports
• As a freshman at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign majoring in Materials and Mechanical Engineering, Kapoor balances elite motorsport with rigorous academics
• Auraah's partnership focuses on storytelling and content collaboration centered around Kapoor's journey, reflecting the brand's "Embrace Your Layers" philosophy that celebrates discipline, intellect, presence, and ambition
Kapoor's journey from Michiana Raceway Park at age eight to international competition showcases her dedication to professional racing. She began her career inspired by Danica Patrick, competing at the same track where the legendary driver started her path to motorsport greatness.
The Indian-American driver's competitive resume includes two consecutive KA 100cc Junior Championships and multiple ROK Karting pole positions despite limited schedules in 2024 and 2025. Her global exposure came through the Champions of the Future Academy Program, where she competed in Italy and the United Arab Emirates against world-class talent.
Kapoor's training regimen demonstrates her serious commitment to F1 Academy preparation. She has completed Formula Renault sessions with former Formula 1 driver Allen Berg at Laguna Seca and Formula 4 development through Jenson Button's Radford Racing School.
Her current racing schedule includes over 25 days of intensive training and competition through the Lucas Oil Racing School Championship Series with IndyCar alumnus RC Enerson. This accelerated program ensures she builds crucial race mileage while developing the technical expertise required at the highest levels of junior single-seater racing.
World Speed Motorsports selected Kapoor strategically, having observed her consistently posting lap times faster than many regional top karters. The team's track record speaks for itself: current F1 Academy driver Courtney Crone and F1 Academy driver Nicole Havrda both developed through the WSM program.
What sets Kapoor apart is her dual focus on engineering and racing. Her Materials and Mechanical Engineering degree allows her to understand vehicle dynamics, chassis performance, and tire characteristics at a granular technical level.
Kapoor shared on LinkedIn.
Kapoor's selection of the X4 Pro chassis for her 2026 season underscores her strategic approach to development. The car mirrors F1 Academy machinery in weight, horsepower, chassis stiffness, and data acquisition capabilities, ensuring every mile driven directly translates to her ultimate goal: securing an F1 Academy seat for the 2027/2028 season.
The partnership with Auraah extends beyond racing performance into professional brand elevation. Kapoor is revamping her digital presence and professional channels to meet modern motorsport's commercial demands, positioning herself as a complete professional rather than just a talented driver.
Kapoor's story represents the next generation of driver-engineers combining elite athletic performance with intellectual rigor. Her journey from a young girl watching Lightning McQueen at Michiana Raceway Park to becoming a competitive professional driver embodies perseverance and strategic career planning.
Following the F1 Academy's "Discover Your Drive" workshop in Abu Dhabi after the 2024 season finale, Kapoor met Managing Director Susie Wolff and current F1 Academy drivers. This experience solidified her belief and provided the inspiration needed to pursue her ultimate racing goal with absolute clarity.
The 2026 season will be crucial for Kapoor's professional trajectory. Every test, every race, and every data point collected feeds into her development as both a driver and engineer preparing to compete at motorsport's highest amateur level.
Do You Know?
Yana Kapoor's older brother Yashom raced in F4 with World Speed Motorsports in 2025, achieving three wins, eight podiums, and two fastest race laps, demonstrating the family's competitive racing DNA and WSM's commitment to developing multi-generational talent.
Key Terms
• Formula 4 (F4): Entry-level single-seater racing series serving as a stepping stone to higher categories like Formula 3 and Formula 2 on the path to professional motorsport
• F1 Academy: Premier junior racing championship exclusively for female drivers, established by Formula 1 to develop the next generation of professional drivers competing at the highest levels
• World Speed Motorsports (WSM): Sonoma-based racing team recognized as a proven feeder system developing young drivers for higher formula racing categories
• Formula Pro USA Championships: American racing series featuring Formula 4 and Formula 3 categories competing across multiple rounds for championship points
Image from Wikimedia Commons