Lily-May Watkins continues to shape her motorsport journey with a clear sense of ambition and perspective. In an exclusive interview with Pit Debrief, Watkins explored not only her future goals but also her openness to different racing pathways, her definition of success, and the legacy she hopes to build both on and off the track. As her career develops, Watkins demonstrates a grounded approach to ambition, balancing aspiration with adaptability.
Watkins balancing ambitions for future: Formula 1 and alternative pathways in motorsport
Looking ahead, Watkins maintains a clear primary goal while remaining realistic about the broader landscape of motorsport. In an era where drivers increasingly explore multiple disciplines, she approaches her future with both focus and flexibility.
“Obviously, Formula 1 is my main goal, always will be. But honestly, with my career now, I’m always looking at different options. I’m very interested in going down the IndyCar route, the America route. And also the endurance racing.”
This openness reflects a wider trend within motorsport, where career paths are no longer linear. Drivers now consider a range of opportunities across different series, each offering unique challenges and rewards.
“Obviously, when I started karting, I did a lot of endurance racing instead of short sprint races. So it’s almost like that is a lot of things I’m quite comfortable in. So I almost think that might be a path I also want to go down, obviously, if the Formula 1 route never works.”
By drawing on her early experience in endurance racing, Watkins highlights how her background continues to influence her future decisions. Consequently, she positions herself to adapt to multiple potential pathways while maintaining her long-term ambitions.
Defining success in motorsport
While many drivers focus solely on reaching Formula 1, Watkins takes a broader view of success. For her, achievement is not defined exclusively by category, but by effort, growth, and fulfilment.
“Honestly, I just feel like when I was growing up, it was always something that I had in the back of my mind. And it’s just like, no matter where I end up in motorsport, just being able to say that I achieved all my goals—even if I don’t get where I want to be, like if I’m not in Formula 1—just being able to say that I tried my best is all that I really want from this.”
This mindset introduces a sense of perspective that can prove crucial in a sport defined by uncertainty. Rather than tying success solely to reaching a specific category, Watkins emphasises commitment and personal growth.
“Obviously, I want a career and all that, but you never know what’s going to happen. So it’s just being able to take every step as it comes and just enjoying every moment of it.”
Consequently, she frames her motorsport journey as an evolving process. This approach enables her to remain focused while also appreciating the experience itself, an important balance in a demanding environment.
Watkins on her long-term goals: reaching the top of the sport
Despite her openness to different paths, Watkins retains a strong desire to compete at the highest level possible. Her long-term vision centres on progression, achievement, and competing among the best.
“Well, obviously winning championships is always a good thing, and just being as far up on the grid as possible, as far up in the championships. Like being able to say that I got to, say, IndyCar or Formula 1—whatever it is in the future that I get to—just being able to say I got to the top of whatever I wanted to achieve.”
Here, Watkins reinforces her competitive mindset while maintaining flexibility. Success, in her view, comes from maximising potential and reaching the highest level available to her, regardless of the specific series.
Watkins on building a legacy on and off the track in motorsport
Beyond results and championships, Watkins places significant importance on the legacy she leaves behind. She aims to be remembered not only for her performances, but also for her character and influence within the sport.
“I just want people to be positive. I want to be able to make a change in the sport, no matter what that is. I just want to be able for people to look back and just kind of like Sebastian Vettel—just having that mark off the track as well as on the track.”
Here, she identifies the value of influence and character, drawing inspiration from figures who have made meaningful contributions outside of racing.
“Because I feel like, obviously, being a nice person on the track is never really going to make you anywhere, but being able to say you are like that off the track is what I want to be able to achieve.”
Through this distinction, Watkins underlines the importance of conduct and reputation. As a result, her ambitions extend beyond racing to include positive influence and lasting contribution.
Identity and purpose within motorsport
As her career progresses, Watkins continues to define her identity within motorsport. She focuses not only on performance, but also on purpose, aiming to use her platform constructively.
“Yeah, my identity in motorsport is just—I just want to make a positive impact on them. Just being able to obviously be recognised from my motorsport background, but also just making the world a better place.”
This outlook reflects a broader understanding of what it means to be a modern athlete. Watkins recognises that visibility within the sport brings opportunities to influence beyond competition.
“Just being able to use my platform for good rather than just as a way to get better in motorsport.”
Therefore, her identity combines competitive ambition with a commitment to positive change, reinforcing her long-term vision for both career and character.
Watkins on embracing a place within British motorsport heritage and inspiring the future generations
As part of a new generation of drivers, Watkins recognises the significance of competing within the UK’s rich motorsport landscape. However, she also acknowledges how unexpected her journey has been.
“Honestly, I didn’t think it was ever going to happen. So to be able to sit here and be part of that is almost just insane to think about. It wasn’t somewhere I thought I’d make it to this point, let alone being able to have these opportunities to make even further. It’s kind of just weird in my brain to think about the fact that I’m able to make it in this sport and be where I am.”
Finally, Watkins acknowledges her growing role as a figure for younger drivers to look up to. With that recognition comes a sense of responsibility to set a positive example.
“Yeah, for sure. I feel like it is almost like you need to make sure you’re a good role model for the younger people, just so they have people to look up to and to be able to look at you and go, I want to be like that. I feel like that is a lot of what I do, just to make sure that I’m always a positive person to look up to.”
In this way, her influence extends beyond her own career. By embracing this responsibility, Watkins contributes to the development of the next generation of drivers.
Watkins approaching motorsport future with ambition and the aim for a positive legacy
Lily-May Watkins approaches her motorsport future with both ambition and perspective. While Formula 1 remains her ultimate goal, she remains open to alternative paths and evolving opportunities within the sport. At the same time, her reflections reveal a deeper focus on personal growth, resilience, and positive impact. As she continues her journey, Watkins not only pursues success on track but also seeks to shape a legacy defined by purpose and influence.
