F1 Superfan’s First Overseas Trip E… read more
What began as a dream adventure for a young Brazilian Formula 1 superfan ended in heartbreak when her first overseas trip turned fatal. Amanda Borges da Silva, a 30-year-old influencer from Goiás, Brazil, died tragically in Japan just weeks after attending her first international Grand Prix. The incident, which occurred in early May, has left her fans and family mourning the unexpected loss of a vibrant, passionate woman who had only recently ventured abroad for the first time.
Amanda, known for her love of Formula 1, had long dreamed of watching a race in person outside of Brazil. That dream came true in early April 2025 when she traveled to Japan to witness Max Verstappen’s thrilling victory at the Suzuka International Circuit. The event was a highlight of her trip and featured prominently on her social media, where she shared photos of herself immersed in the excitement of race day, enjoying the sights and sounds of the F1 world she adored.
After the race, Amanda chose to extend her time in Japan to explore more of the country. She had started her journey in Seoul, South Korea, and then made her way to Japan for the Grand Prix. The solo trip marked her first time leaving Brazil, a bold step that she reportedly took despite initial fears about traveling alone. Her close friend of ten years, Flavia Muniz, told Brazilian outlet Globo that Amanda had been hesitant about the idea of solo travel but was inspired by a friend who had done it before. “She was talking to a friend of ours, who had already travelled abroad, about how afraid she was of traveling alone,” Muniz said. “I don’t think it was planned.”
Amanda’s sense of wonder and appreciation for Japan was evident in her posts. She expressed admiration for the rural landscapes, local culture, and the country’s reputation for safety. In a touching final phone call to her mother just a day before the tragedy, Amanda reportedly said, “I feel safe in Japan,” according to Japanese publication Sankei Shimbun.
However, her promising journey took a devastating turn on Thursday, May 1, when Amanda was found dead in her hotel room near Narita Airport, the main international hub outside Tokyo. Reports indicate that a fire had broken out in the building, and a man was later arrested on suspicion of leaving the premises without extinguishing the blaze. Authorities believe the fire had been burning for some time before it was brought under control.
Amanda was due to fly back to Brazil just hours after the incident. According to friends and media reports, she had planned to return to her hometown of Goiás by the end of May and had told her family she would miss Mother’s Day but would see them shortly afterward. “She said that she couldn’t come on Mother’s Day, but that she would come on the 20th, but it didn’t work out,” her grieving mother, Valdeina Borges, told Brazilian TV channel Anhanguera. “She was going to get together with the whole family, she liked to have barbecues.”
Amanda’s Instagram profile, which had over 13,000 followers, has since been flooded with tributes. Her fans expressed sorrow and disbelief, sharing memories of her vibrant personality and love for motorsport. One of her friends, James Fernandes, confirmed to Brazilian media that Amanda had been out of the country since March, making the most of her long-awaited international adventure.
The tragic incident has not only shocked the Brazilian community but also resonated with the global F1 fandom. Amanda’s story underscores the fragile nature of life and how dreams, no matter how joyful, can be suddenly interrupted. As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire, Amanda’s family, friends, and followers are left to mourn a life full of promise, brought to a tragic end far from home.
