Jana Anjaiman: Saudi Arabia's Youngest Motorsport Star Emerges

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Jul 27, 2026 ALN: What were you doing when you were 12?

Were some of the biggest names in international motorsports telling your father they'd discovered a rare talent? Were you overtaking drivers years older than you just days after climbing behind the wheel for the first time? By 14, had you already represented your country, earned consecutive invitations to the IAME Ladies Cup, and competed among the world's best karters?

Jana Anjaiman has.

In just two years, the 14-year-old Saudi racer has competed on some of Europe's biggest karting stages, earning the respect of coaches and world champions along the way. Her rapid ascent in the motorsport world not only highlights her personal achievements but also reflects the growing opportunities for young athletes in Saudi Arabia, particularly women, in a sport traditionally dominated by men.

The journey of Jana Anjaiman began during a family vacation in France in the summer of 2023. Jana and her father, Captain Talal Anjaiman — a former Saudi Airlines pilot who gave up his career and invested his retirement savings to fully support his daughter's dream — visited a karting circuit in the city of Nancy simply to try something new. It was the first time she had ever driven, and her natural talent was evident almost immediately.

Within days, instructors were asking whether she had received professional training. Coaches even invited the school's director to watch her drive. Despite being only 12 years old, she was quickly moved into older categories, where she won both the junior and senior championships. This early recognition was crucial in shaping her career, as it provided her with the confidence and validation needed to pursue her passion further.

Among those watching was championship-winning rally co-driver Vincent Landais. His advice to Jana's father would become the moment everything changed.

"Keep Jana on track. She is going far."

The school, convinced of her potential, began opening its circuit early each morning just for Jana. This extraordinary support system allowed her to hone her skills and develop her racing techniques. By the end of the summer, she had broken the school's all-time lap record, a feat that further solidified her status as a rising star in the karting world.

Returning to Saudi Arabia only reinforced what coaches in France had already seen. Competing against more than 150 drivers from across the Kingdom in a national karting championship, Jana was the youngest competitor in the field and the only girl. Her qualifications were impressive; she qualified third and then won the race, which launched a remarkable rise in her career.

Over the next two years, Jana collected national titles before testing herself against Europe's most experienced young drivers. She finished 19th among around 120 competitors in Italy, placed 13th in Spain, and earned back-to-back invitations to compete among the world's top female karters at the IAME Ladies Cup. Each of these experiences not only showcased her talent but also provided her with invaluable exposure to high-level competition.

In her most recent appearance at the IAME Ladies Cup, despite suffering two engine failures that forced her to start the final from 32nd on the grid, Jana fought her way through the field with 12 overtakes to finish 17th in the world. This performance was a testament to her resilience and determination, qualities that are essential in the competitive world of motorsports.

Despite her rapid rise, Jana insists talent alone is not what matters. She emphasizes the importance of passion in her journey. "For me, it's more about passion. Without passion, I wouldn't pursue something I don't like," she said. This mindset is crucial, especially in a sport that demands not only skill but also immense dedication and commitment.

While many drivers dream only of Formula One, Jana dreams of understanding every bolt, gear, and component beneath her. Racing has transformed the way she sees mathematics and physics, inspiring her to pursue mechanical engineering so she can one day design and drive race cars. Her aspirations reflect a growing trend among young athletes who seek to combine their passions with practical skills that can enhance their careers.

"If you don't understand your kart," she said, "you're not really a driver." This philosophy underscores her commitment to not only being a skilled racer but also an informed one, capable of making strategic decisions based on a deep understanding of her vehicle.

Despite competing in one of the world's most male-dominated sports, Jana says racing against men with years of experience has never intimidated her. Instead, she studies them. "I don't feel intimidated by the men," she said. "I feel the need to learn from them. I stay behind on the track and watch how they drive, how they control the machine until I find myself being bumper to bumper with them and even overtaking them in some instances." This approach highlights her tactical mindset and willingness to learn from her competitors, a crucial aspect of her development as a driver.

For Jana, however, racing has always been about something bigger than results. She hopes her journey encourages a new generation of Saudi girls to pursue ambitions that once seemed impossible. "I'm not just doing this for myself. I'm doing this for every Saudi girl. I want to make history for this country. I want to break records internationally and let people know Saudi women can do the impossible." Her aspirations resonate with the broader movement in Saudi Arabia to promote women's empowerment and participation in various fields, including sports.

Those words carry special meaning for her father. While Captain Talal dreams of seeing his daughter succeed on the track and raise Saudi Arabia's profile in international motorsports, his greatest achievement has always been raising a good person before raising a champion. This philosophy reflects a growing recognition of the importance of character development alongside athletic success.

That belief was put to the test when Jana knowingly sacrificed her own race by stepping out of her kart to help a fellow driver whose kart had flipped on track, a decision that effectively ended her race but reflected the values her father had always hoped to instill. "My greatest pride," he said, "is seeing my daughter carrying the Saudi flag among the flags of the world." This moment exemplifies the spirit of sportsmanship and the values of compassion and integrity that are often overshadowed in the competitive world of sports.

But talent alone is no longer Jana's biggest challenge. Opportunity is. As Jana prepares for another appearance at the IAME Ladies Cup in early October — receiving a special invitation after missing qualification through the European series because she was unable to compete in enough races — many of the drivers she will face have spent months training on the same circuits that host the championship.

Jana, meanwhile, is still searching for sponsorship that would allow her to gain the same level of preparation before the competition begins. The quest for sponsorship is a common struggle for many young athletes, particularly in niche sports like karting, where financial resources can significantly impact training and competition opportunities.

For Captain Talal, supporting his daughter is about more than funding another racing season. It is an investment in a young Saudi athlete capable of competing with the very best if given the same opportunities. "If I had to sell everything I own, I would," he said. This level of commitment underscores the sacrifices that many parents make to support their children's dreams, particularly in competitive sports.

Every sacrifice, he says, is driven by one vision: seeing the Saudi flag represented on starting grids alongside the world's best and knowing his daughter helped carry it there. This dream is not just personal; it reflects a broader aspiration for Saudi Arabia to be recognized as a competitive force in the global sports arena, particularly in motorsports, which has seen a surge in interest and investment within the country in recent years.

In conclusion, Jana Anjaiman's journey is not just about her individual accomplishments; it represents a significant moment in the evolution of motorsports in Saudi Arabia. As she continues to break barriers and inspire others, her story serves as a reminder of the potential that lies within young athletes when given the right support and opportunities. The implications of her success extend beyond the racetrack, contributing to a cultural shift in perceptions of women in sports and their capabilities on an international stage.