Sabrina Stalder and her father Peter Stalder
This is it!
It all started four years ago. Sabrina, now 32 years old, has always been passionate about cars. Her father, a passionate racing driver himself, knew this - and signed her up for her first race without warning. ‘I only found out about it from others,’ says Sabrina with a smile. ‘He just knew that I would like it.’ And so it was: she felt right at home on her very first drive at the Nürburgring. No karting experience, no intensive training - Sabrina went straight onto the race track and knew from the very first second: this is it!
From criticism to recognition.
But the path to recognition was not easy. In a world dominated by men, Sabrina had to fight for her place. Older racing drivers in particular showed little understanding for the fact that a young woman without traditional racing preparation was venturing onto the track. ‘There was a lot of envy and many thought that women couldn't race,’ she recalls. But that spurred her on even more. After just a few training laps, she took the wheel herself - and surprised all her critics. ‘I love it when the others, who laughed at me at first, see my lap times,’ she says with a smile.
She is particularly proud of her second place in Hockenheim, a track that was long a fearful opponent for her. A few years ago, Sabrina spun in a difficult bend and suddenly found herself standing sideways on the track - with 44 cars hurtling towards her at 190 kilometres per hour. Fortunately, everything went well, but the fear remained. ‘It took a long time before I was able to take that corner again without my heart racing,’ she admits. But that's also part of racing for her: Overcoming setbacks and always finding the courage to try again.
If you never try, you’ll never know.
Even when Sabrina is at the wheel herself, she emphasises how important the team around her is. Her father is not only a constant support on the racetrack, but also in the workshop. ‘We build the cars together,’ she says proudly. ‘Sometimes I make mistakes, but I learn from them. It's not rocket science and I think it's great when I can fix something myself.’ But: ‘If you never try, you'll never know,’ she continues.
For Sabrina, racing is a family project. Her mother makes sure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes - from the catering to the organisation of the race weekend. ‘Without her, none of this would work,’ says Sabrina. And even during the race, it's important for her to know that her loved ones are close by: ‘My car has the birth dates of my brother and my godson on it. That gives me a good feeling.’
Sabrina Stalder lends a hand herself
In the fast lane - also at Bechtle.
But Sabrina doesn't just show her skills on the racetrack. As team coordinator at Bechtle, she takes on a similar role to that in the paddock: she makes sure that everyone knows what to do and that everything runs smoothly. ‘There are many parallels between my work and racing. You have to be focussed and make decisions quickly, but at the same time you also have to be flexible and ready to adapt again and again as necessary,’ she explains.
What she particularly appreciates is the flexibility that her job at Bechtle offers her. ‘I can combine my two passions - racing and work - perfectly.’ This flexibility allows Sabrina to combine the best of both worlds.
Her goal? To enjoy racing for as long as possible - and to always be the fastest, of course. ‘I want to beat my father,’ she laughs, ’and I almost always do - except in Hockenheim. He's still ahead there.’
Sabrina Stalder in her element
The finish line is never the end - neither on the track nor in life. Sabrina knows that there will always be a next race, a next challenge. And she is ready to go for it at full throttle, no matter what.
The author's last words.
As I listen to Sabrina talk with shining eyes about her dual role as a racing driver and team coordinator, I realise that she is much more than just a colleague with an interesting hobby. She is an inspiring personality who shows how you can be successful in completely different worlds with passion and determination. Her story reminds me that life is about pursuing your dreams - whether on the race track or in the office. And the next time I see a colleague at Bechtle, I'll ask myself: what unexpected talents and passions could still be hidden behind the computer screen? I look forward to sharing the next stories with you. Stay tuned!
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