- 09:30
At just 22 years old, she already has three podiums in four races: the young Lebanese driver, the only woman competing in Radical SR1, is blazing a trail at full speed toward the heights of motorsport.
Born in 2003 in Lebanon, originally from Baskinta, raised between Dubai and England, Stephanie Hobeika is racing where few Lebanese – and even fewer women – have dared to venture: British racetracks. A student in design engineering at the University of Bath, she combines intelligence, driving skill and formidable composure.
In April 2025, for her very first car race in the Radical Club Challenge, she secured a third place at Brands Hatch. And that was only the beginning.
A few weeks later, on the legendary Silverstone circuit, she faced tricky mechanical issues and unpredictable conditions. Despite technical issues during practice and multiple interruptions caused by the safety car during the first race, she didn’t give up. The result: back-to-back third-place finishes. Two podiums in two days.
The Lebanese Star from Brands Hatch to Silverstone
“Silverstone was harder than Brands Hatch, but these podiums have a special flavor,” she confides with a sly smile. She recalls that the first race was chaotic: “I struggled with all the interruptions, but I held on.” The second one, smoother, confirmed her rise: “It was my second participation in Radical, and I feel that my level is progressing with each race.”
An exceptional weekend she shared with her father Elie, who came especially to support her: “His presence gave me a huge boost. I thank him, as well as my mother, for their unconditional support.”
From Lebanese Karting to Radical Speed
Stephanie’s passion began on karting tracks in Lebanon, at 16 years old. In her debut season, she claimed a victory and finished third in the IAME championship. In Dubai, she faced tougher competition and finished the 2020–2021 season in sixth place.
Then came the big leap to England, for studies… and for speed. She gave up nothing: at her Radical debut, she proudly flew the Lebanese flag. Last October, she represented her country at the FIA Motorsport Games in Valencia, in the karting category. The previous year, she had already made her mark in the Women’s Karting World Championship.
“I never wanted to choose between engineering and motorsport. Both nourish me, challenge me, teach me to fight,” she declared to This is Beirut a few months ago, highlighting a total commitment, both intellectual and physical. She also leads the Formula Student program at the University of Bath, proof of her involvement at every level.
A Pioneer in a Man’s World
The only woman to enter the Radical SR1 category, Hobeika stands out as much for her speed as for her determination. On the track, she lets her lap times speak for her, not her gender.
“I’ve always known I had to prove myself twice as much. But I don’t want to be judged because I’m a woman, I want people to talk about my lap times,” she says with confidence. And she’s not just keeping up: “I’m proud to be able to compete with men, and even get ahead of some. My goal is clear: improve with every race.”
GT3 Goal and No Brakes on Ambition
Under the helmet, one set idea: to aim higher. Hobeika dreams of GT4, GT3, continental championships. She piles up test drives – Ginetta, Aston Martin Vantage GT4, single-seater F4 – to sharpen her driving and broaden her horizons.
“I’m just at the beginning of my story. Every turn, every lap brings me closer to my dream,” she sums up, clear-headed but driven by the same flame.
Next stop: Snetterton, mid-June, for the third round of a seven-race Radical championship.
In a world where seats are rare and steering wheels are coveted, Stephanie Hobeika charges, overtakes, insists. She doesn’t ask for permission. She takes the corner – and the future – at full speed. Lebanon may just have found its first racing queen.
Comments