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Formula E CEO Turns Tongue-in-Cheek Bet Into Groundbreaking Commitment for Women in Motorsport

Publisher by Publisher
December 13, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Formula E CEO Turns Tongue-in-Cheek Bet Into Groundbreaking Commitment for Women in Motorsport
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What began as a playful jab at Formula 1’s predictability has turned into a monumental pledge for progress in motorsport. Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds has followed through on a €250,000 donation, despite losing his lighthearted wager that Max Verstappen wouldn’t clinch the 2024 Formula 1 title.

Instead of lamenting Verstappen’s dominant season, Dodds used the moment to fund critical initiatives for spinal cord research and gender equity in motorsport.


“A Bet That Became a Movement”

In February, Dodds wagered the hefty sum, calling out Formula 1’s perceived lack of unpredictability compared to Formula E. But after a thrilling F1 season where Verstappen secured his fourth championship, Dodds chose to honor the bet anyway.

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Half of the donation will go to Red Bull’s Wings for Life Foundation, which supports spinal cord research. The other half will kickstart a groundbreaking fund aimed at empowering women in motorsport.

“What started as a very tongue-in-cheek ‘bet’ has evolved into a serious commitment,” said Dodds. “Our ultimate goal is to see women competing full-time in Formula E.”


“Breaking Barriers for Women Drivers”

Formula E is taking bold steps to bridge the gender gap in motorsport. Dodds revealed that Formula E has partnered with More Than Equal, an organization co-founded by former F1 driver David Coulthard, to study the barriers women face in the sport.

Additionally, two women are slated to participate in Formula E’s rookie test, a critical pathway to securing race seats. Dodds envisions a woman on the grid as early as Season 13, coinciding with the launch of the next-generation Gen4 cars.

“We’ll continue to create opportunities for women to test the car through this season and next. That’s where real career opportunities begin,” Dodds explained.


“A Stark Contrast with Formula 1”

While Formula E has seen women compete in recent years, with Switzerland’s Simona de Silvestro scoring points, Formula 1 hasn’t had a female driver on the grid since 1976. Dodds is determined to change this narrative, ensuring Formula E leads the way in creating gender equity.


“Dodds Won’t Bet on F1 Again – But the Stakes for Formula E Are High”

Reflecting on his wager, Dodds told Reuters, “I only like sure things. Max created a small squeaky bum moment for me mid-season, but he delivered. Next year might not be so predictable.”

As for Formula E, Dodds is steering clear of bets, highlighting the unpredictability of the series. Jaguar’s Mitch Evans, for instance, stunned fans by winning the season opener in Brazil from the back of the grid.

“No one knows how this season will shake out,” Dodds concluded. “That’s the beauty of Formula E.”


“The Road Ahead: A Future for Everyone”

With this €250,000 commitment, Formula E isn’t just racing for trophies—it’s racing for inclusion. As the sport invests in creating pathways for women and amplifies its focus on unpredictable, action-packed racing, Dodds has ensured that his wager has left a lasting legacy far beyond the checkered flag.

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