Formula E: Making History with All-Women Pre-Season Test

Formula E has announced a historic, first-of-its-kind initiative in motorsport—a dedicated all-women test session in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

The move marks the first time an FIA Championship will feature a test session exclusively for female drivers as Formula E continues its commitment to enhancing diversity and equality within motorsport.

Empowering women drivers with the GEN3 Evo car

Up to 22 elite women drivers will be able to test the state-of-the-art GEN3 Evo race car at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia on 7 November. 

The car, designed for Season 11 (2024/25), is a technological marvel, reaching 0-60 mph in just 1.82 seconds – making it 30% faster than a current F1 car.

Unlike other series where women drivers often have to use outdated or restricted vehicles, Formula E ensures they receive equal opportunities with access to the latest technology. The GEN3 Evo car will be tested during the same week by the 22 drivers competing in the series.

Each team in the championship must field at least one woman driver for the half-day test, although they are encouraged to field two.

Providing pathways for future female champions

The all-women test session aims to create a platform for elite drivers who might not otherwise have the opportunity to showcase their skills at this level.

Formula E’s objective is to provide women with a destination and offer a career pathway, enabling them to develop their skills with cutting-edge technology.

During the session, the women drivers will participate in various media activities such as press conferences, interviews and content creation for broadcast and social media.

By design, the opportunities increase the visibility of women in elite motorsport, inspiring aspiring drivers from grassroots levels and promoting their profiles in the broader sports industry.

Participating Formula E teams are set to unveil the full roster of women drivers taking part in the test over the coming weeks.

Formula E’s long-term commitment to gender equality

Despite motorsport’s potential for gender inclusivity, the industry remains largely male-dominated, with women holding just 3% of top-tier racing licences globally, according to the FIA.

Formula E’s new initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy to eliminate barriers and promote equal opportunities for female sports drivers.

Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E, comments: “We know there isn’t a simple solution for greater diversity in motorsport. If we truly give women equality, opportunity and visibility in our series, however, conditions for all must be the same to aid their development and test themselves against those already on the starting grid.”

He continues: “Unlike other series where women drivers have to use old or restricted machinery, they’ll use the state-of-the-art GEN3 Evo car that accelerates 30% faster than an F1 car, just as our championship drivers do. We also recognise that one test will not solve the longstanding issue, but we must start somewhere, knowing there is a long way to go.”

Expanding opportunities beyond the test session

Formula E’s broader strategy extends beyond this historic test session.

The organisation is actively expanding its FIA Girls on Track programme, offering up to 400 local young women the chance to engage with professional drivers and participate in workshops to build careers across the motorsport spectrum.

Furthermore, Formula E collaborates with teams and partners to offer continued opportunities for women drivers, including engineering support, simulator time and driver coaching as part of a comprehensive pathway. The organisation is engaging with women-led groups to identify barriers and create more avenues for women and girls to enter and excel in the sport.

To promote inclusivity in technology, Formula E plans to integrate features like power steering in the upcoming GEN4 car (Season 13 in 2026), improving performance for all drivers.

Additionally, Girls on Track will be amplified throughout Season 11, encouraging more women to join and fostering a new generation of female talent.

The road ahead for Formula E

Formula E’s initiative is a proactive and bold step toward greater gender equality in motorsport, recognising the need for consistent, forward-thinking efforts.

By ensuring that women drivers receive equal opportunities and visibility, Formula E sets the stage for a more inclusive future where female representation is a fundamental part of the sport’s evolution.

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