At just 17 years old, Hannah Lee Daniel is already making her mark in South African motorsport. Hailing from Hillcrest, Durban by way of Springs, Johannesburg. Hannah competes across several challenging categories, including the national MSA4 single-seater series, regional Rotax DD2 karting, and the national Rok OK-N class.
Her journey into the sport started where many great passions do: watching racing on TV with her dad. From there, casual karting at shopping malls evolved into something much more serious. Now, she is a familiar name at events, often seen chasing podium finishes and landing them.
But Hannah is not just racing for the thrill of speed. As a young woman in a traditionally male-dominated sport, she is carving a path with a purpose: “When I feel like I’m losing it, I just sit quietly and remember why I’m doing this,” she says. “I want to make a path for women in motorsport.”
One of the standout moments in her career so far? Her first time behind the wheel of an MSA4 single-seater car. It was more than just a new machine it was a milestone. “It felt like I was finally making waves in my community,” Hannah says.
Her biggest inspiration is British racing driver Jamie Chadwick, who has proven time and again that women can excel at the top levels of the sport. It is that fearless drive and dedication that Hannah is emulating every time she lines up on the grid.
To those just starting out in motorsport, she offers honest advice: “Don’t compare yourself to others. Take time to learn and focus on what you are doing.” It’s a reminder that progress isn’t always about being the fastest, but about growing with every lap.
Hannah Lee Daniel is a name to watch not just for her results, but for the example she is setting.
Follow her on social media:
- Facebook: @hannah_.daniel
- Instagram: @hannahdanielracing
