Rachel Robertson headed back to Edinburgh from Silverstone on Sunday having just enjoyed a highly successful spell both on and off the motor racing track.
The 18-year-old former Trinity Academy pupil collected her first points in the women-only Formula One Academy series for 2026 which preceded the British Grand Prix holding a degree certificate for Motor Sport Engineering from her Wiltshire college.
“The sky is the limit if everything falls into place now” said an upbeat Colin Robertson, Rachel’s dad, who was trackside at Silverstone to watch his daughter in her Hightech Pulse-Eight liveried car compete against 17 rivals.
Colin added:”Rachel made a good start to the weekend in qualifying and doing that puts you in a good position going forward.
“Finishing sixth in the main feature race was worth eight points and a further five points from finishing fourth in the reverse grid (when poll position moves to the back etc in a format designed to encourage more over-taking and tactical development) brought five points.
“That moves her up the rankings and the next chapter can be more exciting still.”
Back home Rachel and her family have plenty to ponder.
“One thing to be considered is where Rachel now has to be based as Edinburgh isn’t the ideal spot in terms of competition,” says Colin who will also focus on the commercial aspects of keeping his daughter on track.
“You don’t have to be really into motor sport to know that the more sponsors you get on board the better your chances of succeeding.
“So. in building Rachel’s profile …. is there anyone out there who might back a local Scottish driver seeking to make their way in motor sport?”
One couple who have come forward with a £15,000 grant are television presenter Gabby Logan and her husband, Kenny, the former Scotland rugby internationalist.
Gabby was asked to pick out a promising youngster across sport for investment and came up with Rachel.
“Gabby and Kenny keep in touch and continue to be supportive” says Colin.
Meantime, Rachel will head to Zandvoort, a track she has driven on previously albeit in a previous make of car, in the next week or so for testing and will return for F1 Academy races in support of the Dutch grand prix in late August.
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