In 2018, Tiedou did what most only dream about: She quit her stable job as a government worker to chase her high-octane dream of extreme sports full time. She took on part-time jobs, found funding through social media success, and tried a range of sports like skiing, rock climbing, and surfing — ultimately shifting gears into the world of racing.

By 2024, she had reached new heights, winning a national F4 championship. The following year, she made history as China’s first female wildcard driver in the F1 Academy.

“Eventually, you find what truly clicks,” Tiedou says. “I consider myself very lucky to have a dream.”

Yet dreams are not always easy, even with her roaring success and social media clout. While many of her competitors can focus entirely on their training and have decades of experience under their belts, Tiedou juggles precious time on the track with work and grapples with the challenges of being a latecomer to the sport.

Still, though the hustle takes its toll, Tiedou feels she has at last found a lifelong passion.

“As long as I stay true to myself, I have nothing to regret,” Tiedou says. “My dream is to still be racing at 80. I’ll be a grandma behind the wheel!”