International Women’s Day: How Formula E is boosting women’s participation in motorsport

It’s not an unusual sight to see a woman in the cockpit of a Formula E car, not anymore, as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship continues to push for female participation in the motorsport by providing them with the opportunities they deserve. From the Girls on Track program at every race event to conducting all-women’s tests to help them secure a seat in Formula E or other motorsports, there is a visible strategy in place to boost their participation on track.

Inside Formula E’s push for more women in motorsport

So far, 21 women drivers have driven a GEN3 Evo car, which is capable of reaching 0-60 mph in just 1.82 seconds. Thanks to opportunities like all-women’s tests, six women have secured rookie or official development roles, while four have landed permanent team positions.

Through the Formula E FIA Girls on Track program, around 6,000 young women have experienced the environment of a race car since its inception. Under the program, up to 120 young women are given STEM workshops and insights into careers in motorsport in order to inspire them to pursue it as a career choice.

In the latest development this season, Formula E and the FIA have confirmed that maternity and paternity pay will be excluded from the drivers’ cost cap. Formula E also provides engineering support, simulator time, future test opportunities, as well as driver and holistic coaching to women drivers.
Formula E is also consulting with leading women in motorsport to learn from their experiences and challenges in order to accelerate diversity and inclusion. Diverse and women-led organizations are also being involved to identify key barriers and opportunities for women and help bring them into motorsport.

Cara Pelchen, VP Sporting at Formula E, said, "Our commitment at Formula E moves far beyond celebrating women on a single day; it’s about creating lasting opportunities and breaking down the barriers that have historically limited participation in motorsport. Through initiatives like our Women’s Tests and the FIA Girls on Track program, we are not only giving talented women drivers and young women the platform to excel but also inspiring the next generation to see motorsport as a space where they belong.”
Driver-friendly technology like power steering in the GEN4 car is also being introduced to aid performance and drivability for male and female drivers alike.

Also read: On Women’s Day, Formula E expert Nicki Shields reveals the moment she is waiting for: “When the boys grow up…”


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