A nine-year-old F1 fan from Leavesden has gone viral after starring in a social media star's Instagram video.

Mahi Maru was seen testing out a virtual reality experience with Simon Squibb, who has 2.2 million followers, as part of his series asking people "what is your dream?".

Having been brought to Squibb's headquarters, the youngster got a taste of the VR experience in a video now seen over 1.5 million times after being published on Monday, September 1.

Influencer Simon Squibb shared Mahi's story with his 2.2 million followers.Influencer Simon Squibb shared Mahi's story with his 2.2 million followers. (Image: Divya Maru)

Mahi’s mum Divya said: “When Simon invited us we grabbed the opportunity with both hands, it has given her a confidence boost, she is now so determined.

“It means a lot to Mahi, she had a heart murmur when she was born but she doesn’t let it affect her – when she was in hospital she said ‘I want to be an F1 driver’.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Simon Squibb (@simonsquibb)

 

Squibb said online that "she was soooo good", adding: "We’ve noticed a trend when people share their dreams with us. Often, it takes just one person, with very little effort, to make it happen.

"It could be as simple as someone commenting on, liking, or sharing their dream on social media."

Mahi, who attends the Team Sport Academy in Watford and has been go karting for over a year, is keen to continue driving and hopes the video will capture F1 legend Lewis Hamilton's eye. 

Divya added: “The morning it was posted she got her personal best at the track. If Lewis sees the video hopefully he can help to realise her dream.”