Diana Pundole shares her journey from teacher to racing champion and reflects on how Aligned Automation’s AI tools are redefining performance.
DUBAI: India’s first female Ferrari racer, Diana Pundole, recently sat down with The Brew News in Dubai following the launch of her Middle East racing tour in partnership with Aligned Automation. From pioneering her path in motorsport to leveraging AI-backed data intelligence, Diana’s story is one of passion, resilience, and technology-fuelled ambition.
When asked about the new collaboration, Diana was clear: “This is something that makes so much sense. Aligned Automation is a technology-based company, and I’m a racer. I need data to compete at the highest level.” The Diana Pundole racing AI alliance marks a major shift in how emerging athletes use analytics to push their performance. “I’m excited to see how this works out for both of us—and how their support, through analysing my racing data, helps me this season,” she added.
Her 2025–2026 Ferrari Challenge Series includes stops in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Jeddah, Qatar, and Dubai—tracks known for demanding precision and strategic depth. “What’s more,” she said, “Aligned Automation will empower me with real-time insights. This is a game-changer.”
Reflecting on her unconventional path to racing, Diana explained that her love for speed was instinctive. “I felt like I was born with it, but I never really tapped into it until later. Growing up in India, it was unheard of—a girl wanting to be a racer. But when I got the chance, it felt like a dream I couldn’t ignore anymore.”
Support from her family was key, both emotionally and financially. “I’m lucky. They stood by me. Even when I came last, I saw it as a lesson. I just told myself to work a little harder. I kept pushing the boundaries, and eventually, I started winning. That’s when I knew I was on the right path.”
Speaking about the financial reality of motorsport, Diana didn’t mince words. “It’s an expensive sport. I used my own pocket money in the beginning, but then I connected with companies that aligned with my passion and values. That made a big difference. Sponsorships helped me stay in the game.”
And perhaps the most heartwarming moment came when asked about her daughter’s reaction to her racing career: “She’s super inspired. She doesn’t want me to come home unless I come with a trophy.”
As Diana continues to break barriers in motorsport, her collaboration with Aligned Automation showcases how athletes and AI can come together to redefine performance and possibility.
