Formula E is leading the charge for change in motorsport. Built on innovation and sustainability, it has also emerged as a powerful force for inclusivity. Over the years, female drivers have made their mark in the series, and now, a renewed push for female participation is bringing them back to the track. With more opportunities than ever before, ABB FIA Formula E is proving that women belong at the forefront of racing.
Pioneers of Formula E: Women Who Made History
The inaugural Formula E season in 2014 saw female drivers take their place on the starting grid. Katherine Legge, a British sportscar and IndyCar driver, made history as the first woman to race in the series, competing for Amlin Aguri at the Beijing E-Prix. Since then, Katherine has raced across multiple series, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series, and the FIA World Endurance Championship and took part in the 2023 Indy500. She even made a return to Formula E in 2018 as a test driver for Mahindra Racing.
Among these pioneers, Swiss driver Simona de Silvestro stands out as the longest-serving female driver in Formula E history. She competed for Andretti Autosport across two seasons, breaking barriers and earning points in Long Beach and Berlin events—an achievement unmatched by any other female driver in the series to-date. These trailblazers set the stage for future generations, proving that women have the skill and determination to compete at the highest level.
Women Behind the Scenes: Driving Progress in Development and Leadership
While female race drivers have been less common in recent years, their influence continues off the track. Alice Powell, a W Series front-runner, has been a key figure at Envision Racing as their simulator and development driver, helping shape the team’s success. Simona de Silvestro transitioned into a Porsche Works Driver and Test and development driver role, further showcasing the importance of women in the technical evolution of Formula E.
Alongside Legge, Italian racer Michela Cerruti also contested races in the first season, further solidifying the presence of women in the all-electric championship. Meanwhile, Michela Cerruti’s journey from driver to Team Principal at Romeo Ferraris highlights the growing presence of women in leadership positions. These roles are crucial in shaping the future of the sport, ensuring that women contribute to motorsport’s progression both inside and outside the cockpit.
A New Era: Women’s Return to the Formula E Grid
After several seasons with limited female representation, the tide is turning. Dedicated testing opportunities for female drivers are paving the way for a long-overdue return to the track.
Reem Al Aboud, a pioneering Saudi racer, has already made waves in motorsport by setting a new FIA single-seater acceleration benchmark with Formula E’s GENBETA car, achieving 0-60 mph in just 2.49 seconds—outpacing even traditional Formula 1 machinery.
Her journey is particularly significant; in 2018, the same year women were granted the right to drive in Saudi Arabia, she became the first and youngest Saudi woman to drive an FIAFormula E car. This milestone is more than just a technological triumph—it challenges lingering doubts about female drivers and underscores the importance of representation. Reem’s success proves that when given equal opportunities, women can not only compete but excel and drive the sport forward.
Reem Al Aboud told FIA Formula E: "Being a part of this record-breaking moment is a dream come true. It's not just about the speed; it's about breaking barriers and showcasing the immense potential of women in motorsports. Formula E has given me the platform to make a statement, and I'm honoured to be a part of this journey towards gender equality in racing."
By showcasing female talent, FIA Formula E is helping to break the cycle of underrepresentation and inspiring future generations of young women and girls to pursue careers in motorsport and related fields, including STEM. The recent Women’s Test in Valencia exemplifies this commitment, providing female drivers with the opportunity to compete in high-performance electric vehicles, creating opportunities for them to thrive. Each team was required to provide at least one woman with half a day of testing. Abbi Pulling, current F1 Academy champion, topped the timing sheets for Nissan Formula E against other elite female drivers. This powerful initiative aims to break the longstanding gender barriers in motorsport, committing to its key belief of social progress.
Jamie Chadwick, three-time W Series champion, is another rising star who could soon join the Formula E grid. Having already made her mark in IndyNXT, her name is increasingly linked to future opportunities in the electric racing series. The Atlassian Williams Racing ambassador, had a strong P9 finish in the Jeddah Formula E free practice session for Jaguar TCS Racing.
Excitingly, Chadwick was not the only woman on track. Colombian racing driver Tatiana Calderón finished P10 for Lola Yamaha ABT. These developments signal a new chapter, one where women once again have a chance to race alongside the best drivers in the world.
Why does representation matter?
The resurgence of female drivers in Formula E isn’t just about breaking barriers—it’s about inspiring the next generation. Young girls who dream of racing now have role models proving that motorsport isn’t just for men. The presence of women on the grid, in development roles, and in leadership positions sends a powerful message: talent knows no gender.
Formula E has always been about looking ahead—to a greener future, a more technologically advanced world, and now, a more inclusive motorsport landscape. With greater opportunities for women to test, develop, and compete, the championship is setting a standard for the rest of the racing world.
Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E, strongly believes in the series’ commitment to equality in racing. Dodds said. “If I were a betting man, I would place a bet on us having a woman world champion before Formula 1.”
This is more than just a moment; it’s a movement. The future of motorsport is electric, diverse, and full of opportunity—and women are driving it forward.
All images provided by Formula E media bank
No equality here ! It’s a female only sport subsidised from main stream motor sport.