In this article
The growing presence of women in Formula 1 extends beyond the grandstands, as women behind the scenes also seek opportunities in fields directly tied to motorsport, including sports psychology, while confronting barriers in a historically male-dominated environment. Among them is sports psychologist Fabiana Nascimento, who works with male and female racing drivers across diverse categories and closely follows Formula 1. In an interview with Brazilian outlet Lance!, Nascimento highlighted the persistent resistance confronting female professionals in roles directly linked to drivers, noting that being a woman in motorsport creates an added hurdle in the pursuit of recognition and professional space. Describing the environment as deeply sexist, she reported that establishing a position as a female doctor is difficult and that serving as a psychologist is even more complicated, framing the ongoing effort against prejudice and gender barriers as gradual, painstaking work.
Addressing Preconceptions Around Sports Psychology
The barrier, however, is not confined to gender dynamics. Sports psychology itself must also contend with preconceptions, as the discipline is frequently associated with clinical psychology and the assumption that consulting a psychologist necessarily indicates an underlying mental health condition. For that reason, explaining her role to athletes forms a routine part of Nascimento's work. In motorsport, her duties involve concentration, attention, cognitive training, and analyzing driver reactions across diverse situations, including victories, defeats, and confronting the fear of racing. She explained that sports psychology focuses on improving core skills, focus, and cognitive performance while examining the emotional and mental responses of competitors.
Related posts
Work Across Categories and Confidentiality Constraints
Nascimento's work takes place primarily in karting, where she assists male and female competitors, while also reaching professionals linked to the Porsche Cup. Her involvement with top-tier motorsport includes figures from formula categories such as Formula 1, though professional confidentiality prevents her from disclosing details regarding the athletes she treats. Explaining that client confidentiality restricts what she can share publicly or post online, Nascimento noted that she has attended to very famous drivers from earlier eras. Building her professional space therefore requires balancing her standing as a woman in a predominantly male environment with demonstrating that mental preparation is an essential component of athletic performance, a process she indicated develops gradually through daily contact with drivers and motorsport professionals.
Early Motorsport Roots at Interlagos
Her relationship with motorsport did not begin in a consulting room. Nascimento has followed racing since childhood, when her uncle lived in Interlagos and her family was able to watch portions of competitions directly from their home. She subsequently returned to following Formula 1 with greater intensity around seven or eight years ago.
Formula 1 Support and Paddock Experiences
That passion for Formula 1 coexists alongside her professional duties and produces unusual moments during race weekends. A supporter of Lewis Hamilton and an admirer of Lando Norris, Nascimento has accumulated various experiences attempting to draw closer to the Grand Prix paddock. On one visit to the circuit with her aunt and a cousin who wanted to see Hamilton, age restrictions prevented the three of them from entering a specific area, forcing them to remain outdoors in brushland. On other occasions, she recounted gaining access to the paddock through unconventional routes, including once passing through a restricted area simply because an access gate had been left open.
