Formula E doubles participation in female diversity initiative this year

Formula E is set to double participation in its International Automobile Federation (FIA) Girls on Track initiative this season.

Confirmed:

• The all-electric series is set to top more than 2,000 participants during the 2024 campaign
• This represents an increase on the 1,080 young women who got involved in the programme in 2023

Context:

2024 is the first time that Formula E has rolled out the FIA Girls on Track initiative at every round of the season. Between 2018 and 2023, more than 2,000 young women had participated in the programme, a figure that has now almost been matched in just one year.

Digging deeper, the initiative only featured at five events in 2023, which resulted in a 140 per cent growth in the programme compared to the year prior. The 2024 season has not yet concluded so this year’s figures are not final, but Formula E expects to welcome over 170 young girls to this weekend’s finale at the ExCeL in London.

In 2024, Formula E delivered 27 events across 11 race weekends, both at track and in communities. This season also saw 70 women from across the Formula E paddock deliver inspirational career talks, helping provide guidance and advice for a variety of roles in motorsport.

Comment:

Julia Pallé, vice president of sustainability at Formula E, said: “The growth we have seen this year is testament to our commitment in improving diversity within motorsport. Not only have we seen a huge increase in participants, but the girls who are involved in the programme are purposefully from more diverse communities who would not ordinarily pursue careers in motorsport.

“If we are to truly change the landscape of world motorsport, we must start and support these grassroots initiatives that have already helped many women with their journey and careers into the industry.”

Coming next:

The 2024 season finale takes place this weekend at the ExCeL in London from 19th to 21st July.

Go deeper:

• Competitive racing, street circuits, and a US$250k bet: Why Formula E is making more noise about F1 than ever before
• How Formula E is balancing its sustainable mission with global expansion as it begins its Gen3 era