Formula E launches More than Equal partnership to reduce barriers to entry

Formula E has launched a strategic partnership with More than Equal as it seeks to reduce barriers to entry in motorsport.

Confirmed:

• Formula E and More than Equal have commissioned research to understand the barriers faced by women to race full-time in the series
• US$250,000 to be split equally between Red Bull’s Wings For Life charity and strategic research partnership with More than Equal

Context:

More than Equal is an independent global motorsport initiative formed to find and develop the first female Formula One world champion. Through the research commissioned by this partnership, Formula E will look to gain a better understanding of talent pathways and build a tangible framework for the future diversity of the championship.

Formula E has already made progress on this front by becoming the first International Automobile Federation (FIA) championship to stage an all-female test session. The series will also integrate power steering into its Gen4 cars, set to be introduced in 2026, to further increase driving opportunities for women.

Comment:

“What started as a very tongue-in-cheek ‘bet’ at the start of the season has evolved into a serious commitment to support gender equity within our championship, with the ultimate goal of seeing women competing full-time in Formula E,” said Jeff Dodds, chief executive of Formula E.

“As a first step, the research we have commissioned in partnership with More than Equal will help us better understand the barriers to entry that women currently face, and how specifically Formula E and our teams can provide greater parity, opportunities and inclusion at the top level of our championship.

“My thanks also go to Max and Oracle Red Bull Racing for committing half of the money from my original wager to Wings For Life to support the important work they do around spinal cord research. Congratulations to Max on his fourth-consecutive World Driver’s Championship and we look forward to even more competitive racing next season.

“Meanwhile, the new Formula E season is already well underway and we’re excited to showcase more thrilling races, lots of exciting overtaking and fantastic wheel-to-wheel action for our fans across the globe.”

Coming next:

While the majority of the motorsport world winds down for the offseason, the 2024/25 Formula E campaign is underway. The second race of the season takes place in Mexico City on 11th January 2025.

Go deeper:

• 2024 Formula E season review: F1 comparisons, ownership changes and foundations for the future
  
• ‘Women don’t lack talent, they lack opportunity’: Why Formula E is running the first all-female test