In English
A special meeting with “Madam” in the Formula E race, international model Adriana Lima: My experience in Riyadh is great and I have been driving an electric car for 10 years
The historic Diriyah in Riyadh hosted the 2022 Formula E Championship with an international presence of electric car racing enthusiasts. “Madam” attended the amazing event that was held on January 28 and 29 and we interviewed the international Brazilian model, Adriana Lima, who seeks to raise awareness of the importance of sustainability and shed light on the global climate crisis through her participation in this global event.
Interview | Lama Alshethry
Tell us about the experience of participating in the Formula E race in Riyadh?
Participation in Formula E means a lot to me because it is a global event that deals with the concept of sustainability and takes into account the issue of climate change by using electric cars in the race. I have personally used an electric car for nearly ten years. I had an amazing roller coaster experience with the Porsche Taycan, yet it made me feel extremely safe which is an important element for me especially as I have children. The car's response was amazingly fast, I couldn't even keep up with it by shooting a video on my phone! As a Brazilian, I spoke during my interview with the founder and CEO of Formula E, Alejandro Agag, about the idea of organizing this global race in the Amazon in Brazil to spread awareness about climate pollution there through an enthusiastic event that highlights this issue positively. I hope this will come true.
How would you describe your visit to Saudi Arabia?
It's a really great experience, I love being in Riyadh. I have always wanted to visit the Saudi capital, and I have been following many of the events hosted by the city on social media platforms. I am very happy to visit with the Formula E race, since I set foot in this city, I have found a lot of warmth in the reception and generous hospitality, and I have also enjoyed getting to know closely the culture, people and taste of this beautiful country. It is my first visit and a pleasure to be here.
Are there other countries you would like to visit?
I travel a lot, Brazil remains my home country and my favorite hometown, especially Selva Jardim.
What is the significance of Formula E's contribution to issues of sustainability and climate change?
Each of us has strengths through which he can deliver his message to the largest possible segment. The Formula E global platform uses its power to spread awareness of the concept of sustainability through the use of electric cars in racing, which is a major contribution to making a change in the issue of climate change so that the world is a better place to live. As a journalist and editor, you have strengths for your media platform to spread a noble message that serves humanity. I also have strengths in the global image I bring to the cause I support. I have two children who worry about their future and the climate in which they will grow up.
What does the late Brazilian racing driver Ayrton Senna, a world icon who won three Formula One championships during his journey, represent to you?
He's an icon that's undoubtedly alive, and I'm very proud of what he's achieved. I remember when I was a little girl the whole of Brazil watched his races every Sunday, the streets were empty of cars and pedestrians, everyone was in the presence of the Siena race. He is credited with the development revolution with the concept of the Formula One Championship in Brazil; It was he who developed my passion for racing cars since childhood. I hope someone will show up to represent Brazil like Cena did.
What wish do you wish to achieve in the near future?
I hope to host a Formula E race in the Amazon, and to be present for this event.
What is the most important lesson you have learned as a modeling woman?
My experience was not easy to begin with. My position in the modeling profession is not easy at all, and I found in it a clear stereotype that I rejected. The change had already begun, and I felt more than ever that I could make a difference. We are now seeing a diversification of the modeling profession in terms of models' bodies and colours, which is a huge development. I practiced the profession for twenty years, and unfortunately, the life span of a woman is very short. My plan is to use my cosplay on this platform to extend the presence of women in it at all ages. I fight stereotypes to highlight the valuable aesthetic aspects of women in their different stages. I went through all these stages from a young woman to a global model to a mature woman and a mother and I aspire to be accepted on the pages of magazines at this stage of my life and enjoy my profession. Today I am 40 years old and it is normal that I am not a size zero as a mature woman and mother of two children.
What is the message you want to convey to women?
My message to every woman is to follow her heart, and never give up or give up on her truth and principles. Each of us has a world to live in, don't let anyone touch or change your truth.