"There were moments when I was so drained that I could barely grip the wheel," she said. "But the exhaustion afterward — even struggling to hold chopsticks — reassured me that my body could withstand F1 Academy's demands."

In preparation Shi spent nearly two years strengthening her lower body to manage 100 to 120 pounds (45-55 kg) brake force and built neck muscles to endure G-forces. Her efforts paid off.

"My neck is noticeably thicker now," she said, half-jokingly, adding that at the same time, post-test fatigue improved her sleep quality. "I fall asleep instantly — it's my body's way of forcing recovery," she added.