Perspectives: Kaï Rillaerts on Coaching, Competition, and Supporting Women in Motorsport

Kaï Rillaerts is more than just a racing driver. At just 18, he’s competing at a high level in GT racing, coaching the next generation of racers, and revolutionizing the way motorsport engages with fans through social media. His approach is modern, his mindset is progressive, and his reach is undeniable - with over half a million followers tracking his journey.

Beyond his personal success, Rillaerts is part of a crucial conversation: the push for greater female representation in motorsport. From coaching female drivers to analysing the barriers that keep women from reaching the top, he provides his insight in our discussion about the evolving landscape of racing.

The Early Beginnings

Rillaerts' journey into motorsport wasn’t a straightforward one. While many start with karting, his first exposure to racing came on two wheels.

"It kind of started when I was like three years old. My dad got me a pocket bike because he always rode motorcycles" he recalls. "But I didn’t really like it." After brief stints in motocross, he found his true passion when his cousin introduced him to karting - “It just felt right. I had more fun, and then it started to get serious."

That passion turned into a career. Rillaerts climbed through the karting ranks, winning multiple championships before making the transition to GT racing. Now, in 2025, he’s competing in Lamborghini’s Trofeo Cup and setting his sights on a future factory drive.

"My dream is still Formula 1, but realistically, budget-wise, it's super, super hard" he admits. "Right now, the focus is on GTs and trying to get a factory drive."

While his personal goals are clear, Rillaerts has also found himself in an unexpected role: helping to shape the future of the sport through social media and coaching. And a major part of that involves engaging with a growing female audience.

A Shifting Demographic

One of the most surprising aspects of Rillaerts' rise to prominence has been the demographic of his audience.

"Last time we checked, 80% of our followers were women, 20% men," he says. This shift aligns with a broader trend in motorsport. As platforms like Drive to Survive bring new fans into racing, more women are engaging with the sport - not just as casual viewers, but as dedicated supporters and aspiring drivers.

Recognizing this change, Rillaerts and his team are making an effort to create content that appeals to a broader audience. "We’re trying to really make it 50-50. But honestly, if more women are tuning in, that’s great. Motorsport should be for everyone."

Coaching the Next Generation

Beyond his own racing, Rillaerts plays a key role in shaping young drivers through his coaching program. But does he see a difference in training male versus female racers?

"Not really. Sometimes you have to adjust how you speak to them, but on driving ability? No difference at all" he says.

While some still argue that women struggle to match men on track, Rillaerts dismisses the idea outright. "I've seen women drive super, super fast. The idea that they can’t win is ridiculous. If you look at GT racing, Iron Dames beat the guys on track all the time."

That said, he acknowledges the unique challenges women face. "Physically, they might need to train harder, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be just as fast. People love to say women can’t compete, but there are plenty of guys who race and don’t win. Nobody questions if men belong in motorsport."

Why Aren’t More Women Reaching the Top?

Despite increasing opportunities, the path to the top remains difficult for female drivers. Rillaerts sees two main barriers: a lack of early involvement and the physical demands of the sport.

"There just aren’t as many girls in motorsport," he points out. "It’s changing now—F1 Academy is a step in the right direction, and I see more female karting drivers like Luna Fluxa. But if fewer women start young, fewer will make it to the top."

He also highlights the way women are judged differently in the sport. "If you’re good enough, you deserve a chance. If you’re not, you’ll be out - same as the guys. But the opportunities to grow in motorsport have been harder for women, and people judge them a lot quicker."

The Importance of Mentorship

For any aspiring driver, male or female, Rillaerts stresses the importance of having the right people around them.

"That’s why I started my coaching program, so drivers don’t get caught up with the wrong people…you need the right team supporting you."

His advice to young racers is simple: "Believe in yourself and never give up." But beyond that, he encourages young drivers to find mentors who genuinely want to see them succeed. "There are people in this sport who don’t have the best intentions. If you have the right people around you, it makes all the difference."

Looking Ahead: A New Era for Motorsport

With more women entering the sport at all levels, drivers, engineers, journalists, and fans, Rillaerts is optimistic about the future.

"If you’re fast, you’re fast" he says simply. "Doesn’t matter if you’re a guy or a girl, you only prove yourself on track."

As female participation continues to grow, voices like Rillaerts’ help push the conversation forward. With his influence both on and off the track, he’s not just racing toward personal success, he’s helping to shape the future of motorsport.

His statements echo those of Matt Birt and Leonardo Fornaroli, previous features in the Perspectives segment. Like them, Rillaerts highlights grassroots development as a key barrier to female representation at the highest levels of racing, emphasizing the need to encourage more young girls into the sport from an early age.

Additionally, the physical demands of race cars can be more intense for the female biological makeup. To bridge this gap, dedicated research into female physiology in motorsport should be encouraged, leading to tailored training programs that better support female drivers in overcoming physical challenges.

A massive thank you to Kaï, for sharing his insights and becoming part of this important conversation. Be sure to follow his journey on his instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kai.rillaerts/