Yana Kapoor is a first-generation American racer born to Indian parents, currently bridging the gap between the cockpit and the classroom. A Material Science Engineering student at the University of Illinois and a championship-winning karter, Yana also races in a Formula 4 series in the USA.

She began karting at the age of eight at Michiana Raceway Park, the same venue where Danica Patrick commenced her career. Yana won two KA 100cc Junior Championships, and multiple ROK Karting pole positions and podiums.

She has also competed in the Champions of the Future Academy Programme, racing across Italy and the UAE.

In her Formula Pro Western USA season so far, driving a Ligier JS-F4 car, she has finished inside the top-10 in all eight races so far, and sits eighth in the standings with a best result of seventh at Sonoma Raceway and Thunderhill Raceway Park. She is the top-ranked female driver in the series and will take part in the F1 Academy Rookie Test at the Circuito de Navarra on 9-11 September.

Yana’s brother Yashom is also a racer, and is a vice-champion at F4 level.

Career history

2026
Formula Pro Western USA

Pre-2026
Karting