Kenyan motorsport star charts new path in stewarding
Kenya’s Tuta Mionki is making a name for herself on the global motorsport stage. After a decade as a rally co-driver, she is now earning recognition as a Stewards’ Observer in Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship.
Tuta Mionki, one of Kenya’s prominent motorsport figures, is carving a new path in stewarding, a role that has taken her to global motorsport events like Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship (WRC). This year, Mionki has been part of the FIA High Performance Programme (HPP), learning the intricate decision-making processes behind the sport’s biggest stages.
Her motorsport story began in Kenya, where she made her mark as a rally co-driver starting in 2011. “I loved the thrill of competition, but by 2020, I felt it was time to step back from active racing,” she shared. The COVID-19 pandemic provided the perfect moment to explore other ways to stay involved in motorsport.
Encouraged by experienced stewards in Kenya, Mionki discovered a new passion. “Stewarding felt like a natural fit. My background in human resources and labour laws helped me connect with the role of a steward, which is essentially a judge in motorsport,” she explained.
Her commitment led her to regional stewarding training in Africa and later to the FIA International Steward’s Training in 2022. The following year, she was selected for the FIA HPP, a mentorship programme designed to prepare stewards and race directors for the demands of top-level events.
Mionki’s first taste of Formula 1 came at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in 2023, though flooding led to the event’s cancellation. Her second opportunity, at the Spanish Grand Prix, offered a behind-the-scenes look at how stewards make decisions. “It was fascinating to observe the process and even be part of the discussions. It gave me a whole new perspective,” she said.
This year, Mionki expanded her skills to rallying by observing WRC Stewards at the Central European Rally. Reflecting on her journey, she described the FIA HPP as a game-changer. “Learning in a classroom is one thing, but seeing the procedures in action brings it all to life. I now understand the reasoning behind decisions I’ve watched on TV,” she said.
Mionki’s goal is clear: she wants to become a steward in both Formula 1 and the WRC. “These two areas match my experience and passion,” she said.
The FIA HPP currently has 23 participants from 16 countries, and Mionki’s achievements highlight the programme’s role in developing future leaders in motorsport. With her determination and expertise, Mionki is well on her way to shaping the future of stewarding on a global stage.
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