The women’s-only session at Formula E’s pre-season testing in Madrid has sparked conversations about the future of female participation in motorsport. It’s a bold initiative that aims to spotlight female drivers, giving them a chance to drive a race car that they might not otherwise have access to. However, there’s an underlying question: is this move just a PR stunt to appease calls for greater diversity, or will it have a lasting and meaningful impact on women in motorsport?
For female racers, opportunities to get behind the wheel of high-performance vehicles are exceedingly rare. The women’s-only test is a significant moment for those who are trying to break into a male-dominated sport. The test allows female drivers to showcase their skills, learn from established teams, and become part of the conversation in Formula E. Many talented female racers find themselves at the periphery of motorsport, unable to transition from karting or lower-tier formulas into elite series due to a lack of seat time, sponsorship, and team backing.
Drivers like Simona De Silvestro, who has worked with Porsche as a reserve and development driver, and Alice Powell, part of Envision Racing, exemplify this dilemma. Despite their experience and affiliation with teams, they haven’t been given a full-time seat or even the chance to fill in for absent drivers during the competitive season. When Envision Racing had to fill two driver spots in Berlin for season 10, they opted for Joel Eriksson and Paul Aron, bypassing Powell. This move raises a pressing question: if these teams aren’t utilising their affiliated female drivers in competitive settings, what is the purpose of having them on the team? It highlights a pattern in motorsport where female racers remain token figures rather than being taken seriously as competitive drivers.
The introduction of the women’s-only test undeniably brings attention to the issue of gender disparity in motorsport. From a PR perspective, it is a strong statement by Formula E to champion inclusivity and diversity in a sport where female representation remains minimal. Having a dedicated test for women acknowledges the need for a level playing field and gives media, fans, and aspiring female racers a tangible point of inspiration.
Yet, there is a valid argument that initiatives like these are not enough. While the test provides exposure, the next logical step should be translating that exposure into real opportunities for race seats and development roles within teams’ public visibility. A lasting impact can only be achieved if it leads to concrete changes in how teams approach female talent.
One of the key criticisms of initiatives like the women’s-only test is that they are not addressing the fundamental problem. Motorsports is a wealthy industry, and the idea of “grassroots” support for aspiring female drivers can seem paradoxical when the costs of entry into motorsport are notoriously high. Karting, often seen as the stepping stone to a professional racing career, requires significant financial backing, and many young female talents simply don’t have access to the same support networks or sponsorship opportunities as their male counterparts.
To create a more sustainable pipeline of female talent, motorsport’s governing bodies and major series like Formula 1 and Formula E need to invest in female-only schemes that offer affordable, high-quality training and coaching from an early age. These programs must provide more than just driving experience—they should offer mentorship, technical knowledge, and physical training tailored to prepare young female drivers for the rigors of professional racing.
This is not just about creating moments of inspiration for young girls; it’s about fundamentally reshaping motorsport to be more inclusive. Formula E’s women’s-only test, if followed by consistent action and investment, could pave the way for genuine change. However, without that commitment, it risks being seen as a well-intentioned yet superficial PR exercise. The challenge lies in ensuring that this visibility translates into long-term, impactful opportunities that can change the narrative for female racers in motorsport.
Programs like the W Series have shown promise in offering female racers competitive experience, but without a clear pathway to the upper echelons of motorsport, the impact remains limited. The focus must be on bridging the gap between promising female drivers in development series and giving them competitive seats in mainstream championships. The ultimate goal should not just be to inspire but to enable.
The women’s-only test at Formula E’s pre-season in Madrid is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, but it is only a piece of the puzzle. However, Formula E and other series must go beyond providing a platform for visibility. Instead, they should invest in grassroots initiatives, robust development schemes, and a commitment to integrating female talent into competitive contexts.
