How Women Are Changing The Game in Motorsport

Females in Motorsport often hears inspiring stories, but many still struggle with how to start or whether it’s even possible. Well, let’s change that in this article with facts, numbers, and real women who have fought for and earned their place. By the end of this article, we hope you’ll not only feel inspired but trust yourself to chase your motorsport dreams because, oh women, you can! 

The Shift: More Women, More Impact 

Motorsport has long been an elite, high-stakes world where only the best survive. But for years, the paddock was mostly filled with men. This was not because women weren’t capable but because they were never given a fair shot or were perhaps unaware of what opportunities were available to them.

We cannot agree that everything is fair now, but it’s safe to say that things are getting better. Women are getting behind the wheel, stepping into race strategy meetings, and taking on engineering roles in top teams. But how far have we really come? What’s still holding women back? Most importantly, how do we accelerate this progress?

Credits - Red Bull Content Pool | Hannah Schmitz on podium with Max Verstappen

The Numbers: Where Do Women Stand in Motorsport? 

Before 2020, only seven to 13% of participants across all levels of racing were women. But the tide is turning. Formula 1 has seen its female base grow steadily, In 2018 our gender split was 72% male and 28% female, and in 2022 this has improved to 69% male and 31% female. Not just racing but more and more women are stepping into engineering, aerodynamics, and race strategy roles than ever before. 

What’s Held Women Back? 

If you’re wondering why women have been largely absent from F1 or any top-tier motorsport. Skill is definitely one of the most important factors, but others include -

1. Motorsport is Beyond Expensive

Passion alone won’t get you to the top but passion and money will. Climbing the motorsport ladder costs millions, making it harder for women who might have the skill but not the money or funding. 

2. The Role Model Gap 

For decades, boys had Schumacher, Senna, and Hamilton to idolize. But young girls? There are not many female racing heroes to look up to. Let’s be honest without role models, dreams feel less achievable. But now, with more women making their mark in motorsports, the dream feels closer than ever.

3. Institutional Barriers 

Motorsport wasn’t designed with women in mind. Teams historically assumed females weren’t strong, fast, or aggressive enough. Even today, women in the sport face more scrutiny than their male counterparts - so much so that more women have been to space than have raced in F1.

What’s Changing? Resources for Women in Motorsport 

Despite the challenges, opportunities for women in motorsport are finally growing. Here’s how:

1. Women-Focused Programs 

Formula 1 Academy, for example, launched in 2023, provides a pathway for women from karting to F1. Unlike the W Series, it offers real career progression within the F1 ecosystem. Marta Garcia, the 2023 champion, moved to the Formula Regional European Championship with Prema and later joined Iron Dames in 2024. Similarly, Abbi Pulling dominated the 2024 season with nine wins and ten poles, earning a fully funded 2025 GB3 seat with Rodin Motorsport, backed by the Alpine Academy.

2. STEM & Engineering Programmes 

Motorsport isn’t just about the driver, it’s about the engineers, strategists, and data analysts behind every victory. Programmes like: 

- FIA Girls on Track 

- Motorsport UK’s Engineering Academy 

- F1 in Schools is opening doors for young women in aerodynamics, mechanical engineering, and race strategy. 

3. Scholarships & Funding 

The financial barrier is huge, but new scholarships are making it easier for women to compete some include: 

• Ginetta Junior Scholarship – A fully funded seat in the Ginetta Junior Championship, helping young female racers take their first step on the single-seater ladder.

• FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars – A global initiative scouting young female talent and offering a pathway to the Ferrari Driver Academy and Formula 4.

• F1 Academy – Discover Your Drive – A programme backed by Formula 1, aiming to provide funding and career opportunities for young women in motorsport, from driving to engineering and media roles.

• Porsche Motorsport Scholarship for Women 

Credits - F1 | Marta Garcia wins inaugural F1 Academy title after thrilling race.

Women Leading the Charge in Motorsport 

If you need proof that women belong in motorsport, we can give you hundreds of names, but here are a few for now - 

Jamie Chadwick – Three-times W Series champion, and INDYNXT race winner. Jessica Hawkins – Aston Martin development driver and the first woman in five years to drive a Formula 1 car. 

Susie Wolff – Former Williams F1 test driver, now leading at the helm of F1Academy

Hannah Schmitz – Oracle Red Bull Racing’s Head of Race Strategy 

Marta García – Formula 1 Academy’s first champion, is racing GTs this year.  Women in motorsport are still fighting for equal opportunities, but progress in just the last few years is undeniable. With more funding, structured career paths, and visible role models, young girls can finally see motorsport as a real career option.

To every girl out there who loves the roar of an engine, this sport needs you! Whether you want to race, engineer, strategise, or report, motorsport can be home for you. So buckle up, the race is on, and the finish line is all yours to cross!