This weekend marks the return of the Canadian Grand Prix to Montreal, the iconic Formula One racing event taking place over the course of three days which runs through June 15th. The F1 and F1 Academy races are some of the buzziest of the season, and we love how more and more women are making their mark in the world of racing. Chloe Chong is one of them.
Chong will be on the track this weekend and the 18-year-old British-Canadian is not only the F1 Academy’s youngest driver but also one of its brightest rising young stars. She will be behind the wheel of one of the most iconic cars on the circuit this season: the new and improved Charlotte Tilbury operated by Rodin car featuring the brand’s signature night crimson and rose gold colourways, emblazoned with the Tilbury Hot Lips icon. Chong’s racing suit is detailed with Tilbury’s empowerment mantra, “Makeup Your Destiny.”
Ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, we caught up with Chong to hear why she’s extra pumped about racing in Montreal, why her partnership with Charlotte Tilbury is an iconic moment, how she’s inspiring other young female drivers, and of course, her race day beauty routine.
Racing in Montreal is a return to your second home of Canada, why does this race feel extra special for you and what are you most looking forward to?
“It’s great to race in Montreal and be back in what I call my second home. It feels special because not only is it an iconic track, one that has shaped the sport, I’d say, it’s very nice to also have my family watching for the first time because they’ve never watched me race! To have them come over from Toronto and support me and see what it is I’m passionate about is a cool feeling. And to be able to enjoy some home cuisine—poutine is one of my favorite dishes and it makes me feel very welcome here.”
Of your partnership with Charlotte Tilbury, you have said of the brand that you instantly felt at home with their ethos of championing the magic of confidence and big dreams to achieve goals. How are you working together to do this?
“I think the main thing with Charlotte Tilbury is the car. The car itself is kind of the whole ethos of the brand; they’re so bold and so out there compared to the other cars on the track and it’s something I really support because with racing in the past, you have very plain cars with maybe a few speed lines, but they’d all look very similar. So, to have a car with big lips on it and Charlotte Tilbury’s logo shows how ready they are to break the mould, and to succeed at that. It pushes me as a racing driver to do my best no matter what happens, and to leave the setbacks and move on to the next thing because there is always something brighter ahead of you.”
You are inspiring young women and breaking barriers in the F1 world. At such a young age you are already a mentor for others—how does that empower and motivate you?
“It’s been a lovely feeling to be called a mentor for other people, but it also feels so weird because in some ways I feel like I haven’t reached my full success in the sport, but it feels so nice to have people ask me for advice and to have that support at such an early part in your journey. It motivates me to give it my all every time, but also gives me some sort of reassurance that there are people who support and look up to you, and you must just be the best role model and be proud of yourself in everything you do.
Beauty favourites question! What are your Charlotte Tilbury beauty musts built for life in the fast lane?
“To be honest, for a race weekend I keep it very simple, so I am always sure to do my Charlotte Tilbury skincare routine; I love the Magic Cream and Magic Serum. But if I’m wearing makeup, the Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray is my favorite—it always holds everything in place, and I love the smell.”
Photos courtesy of Charlotte Tilbury
