Formula E, the innovative all-electric championship, is setting the pace in championing the cause of women in motorsport, driving a paradigm shift towards inclusivity. The race series recently announced its second all-female test scheduled for October 30, marking yet another milestone in its quest to redefine gender representation in the sport.
The series’ inaugural all-female test, which marked the end of its pre-season programme at Circuito Jarama in November, was a resounding success. This event, a groundbreaking initiative by an FIA-linked mixed-gender series, saw 18 female drivers from 11 teams in action. The event’s significance went beyond the tracks, capturing global media attention and clinching the Most Inspiring Campaign accolade at The Race Media Awards in January.
Formula E has a history of pushing boundaries. When the engines roared to life at the inaugural Formula E race in Beijing in 2014, two women, Katherine Legge and Michela Cerruti, held their own on the grid. The series continued to break new ground with Simona de Silvestro clinching a permanent seat with Andretti at the end of the first season. She went on to finish in the top 10 in Long Beach and Berlin, making her the first, and till now, the only woman to score points in the championship.
The series has been steadfast in providing opportunities for female drivers, with rookies getting their chance during the race weekends. Alice Powell, a key figure in the Envision Racing team since Season 7, and Jamie Chadwick, a regular in the FE paddock, are among the women who have seized these chances. Chadwick, alongside her achievements in the now-retired W Series and her stints in Extreme E and Indy NXT, found time to set the second-fastest time at Jarama. Last year’s F1 Academy champion, Abbi Pulling, also made her mark, topping the timesheets at a test with Nissan.
Beyond the tracks, Formula E’s contribution to gender inclusion extends to its internal structure. A large number of women work behind the scenes, notably in the communications department. The representation extends to the teams, with numerous women handling the drivers’ media schedules.
Formula E’s commitment to inclusivity is exemplified in its support of the FIA’s Girls On Track initiative. This initiative provides girls aged between 12 and 18 with a unique opportunity to explore the world of motorsport through behind-the-scenes access and engaging workshops.
Adding to the visibility of women in the sport, Nicki Shields, a long-time member of the broadcasting team, now leads the English-speaking TV coverage. She is supported by pit lane reporter Alexa Rendall and a line-up of pundits including Chadwick and Extreme E star Catie Munnings.
In a world where motorsport is consciously striving to increase the inclusion of women, Formula E stands out as a trailblazer. With its GEN3 Evo machine, the series is breaking barriers at record speed, making it a prime contender for the title of the biggest champion for women in motorsport.