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F1 Travel Guide: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

March 14, 2023 No Comments

The Circuit

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is relatively new, with the first race taking place in 2021. The circuit was built in under 12 months and is the fastest street circuit ever seen in Formula 1, with average speeds of 250 km/h. The track is 6.174km long, with 3 DRS zones and 27 corners (the most of any circuit on the F1 calendar).

Jeddah Corniche F1 Circuit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — Image Credit: Autosport

Things to Know Before Your Visit

Currency: Saudi Riyal, SAR

Time Zone: GMT+3

Languages: Arabic, English

Essential Numbers: 999 (Police), 997 (Ambulance)

Weather: The average temperature in March is 31.8°C (89.2°F)

Entry Requirements: A tourist visa is required to enter Saudi Arabia. Visa fees are roughly $120.00 US dollars (€110,00) and are non-refundable in the case of rejection. Apply for a tourist visa here.

Local Laws and Customs:

• It is prohibited to possess or consume alcohol in Saudi Arabia.

• It is advised that tourists dress conservatively to respect religious and social traditions.

• Public displays of affection are considered inappropriate and should be avoided.

Transportation

The most common methods of transportation for tourists are taxis or Uber. You can use the Uber app or the popular local taxi app Jeeny to reserve your ride in advance. If you plan on taking a Taxi, use a licensed taxi service and agree on a price beforehand.

Public transportation is available; however, routes are not well-developed. If you plan on using public transport, note that routes to and from the track may be limited. You can find more information on Jeddah’s public transportation routes here.

You can also rent a car during your visit if you have an International Driving Permit (IDP). However, local traffic laws may make it difficult to get around comfortably. If you choose to drive during your visit to Jeddah, read up on local traffic laws here.

Restaurant in the Rosewood Hotel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — Image Credit: Rosewood Hotel

Places to Stay

Radisson Blu: Located in the Al Shatiea district, guests are just a few steps from the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the Red Sea, and the vibrant city centre. The hotel also offers several dining options, an outdoor swimming pool, and a spa to help you unwind after a long day at the track.

Rosewood: This 5-star hotel will make your vacation unforgettable. Enjoy one of the 127 luxurious rooms, dine at one of the three restaurants, and relax at the rooftop swimming pool with panoramic views of the Red Sea. The hotel is only 11 km from the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

Park Hyatt: The Park Hyatt has everything you need for a remarkable trip. Located on the seashore of the Jeddah Corniche, this hotel offers unparalleled views of the Red Sea and the King Fahd fountain. Whether you spend your time lounging by the infinity pool or in the spa, you are guaranteed to leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Al Rahma Mosque in Jeddah Saudi Arabia — Image Credit: Visit Saudi

Things to Do

Explore the Corniche: The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is located in the Corniche area, where you’ll find some of the city’s most famous attractions. Visit the Al Rahma Mosque at high tide, which appears to be floating in the Red Sea, and marvel at the traditional architecture and Islamic art. After sunset, drop by King Fahd’s fountain, the highest water fountain in the world with water blasting over 800 ft. Finish your day by sampling delicious local cuisine at the area’s various food stands, restaurants, and cafes.

Go Shopping at the Red Sea Mall: Pick up your souvenirs at the Red Sea Mall, the largest in Jeddah. The mall has hundreds of local and international shops, restaurants, a cinema, an arcade, and the world’s largest indoor water fountain.

Visit Al Balad: A must-see for tourists, get lost in the streets of the oldest area in Jeddah, and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al Balad. Famous for its traditional buildings and art, Al Balad is also home to several museums and Jeddah’s oldest mosque.

Restaurants and Cafes

Brew 92 Café: Get your coffee fix at Brew 92 café, located in the Al-Khalidiyah district of Jeddah. Brew 92 is one of the most popular cafés in Jeddah, where you can find a variety of high-quality coffee and food selections. Be sure to stop by for breakfast to try their famous breakfast menu.

Historical Nights: While visiting Al Balad, don’t miss this beautiful café built inside a 200-year-old building. Designed to replicate an old Hijazi house, visitors will get a taste of Saudi Arabia’s local heritage. Try their famous mint or basil tea and one of their traditional dishes for the ultimate experience.

Niyyali: Overlooking the Red Sea and Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Niyyali specializes in rich and bold Lebanese dishes. Make sure to try one of their signature dishes for an unforgettable meal.

Planning on traveling for F1? Check out our other travel guides here.

Women in Motorsport

Meet Naomi Schiff: Former Professional Racing Driver and Sky Sports F1 Presenter

March 8, 2023 No Comments

Former professional racing driver Naomi Schiff debuted with UK broadcaster Sky Sports in 2022, joining their F1 presenting team. Schiff will join Sky Sports again for the 2023 F1 season that kicked off in Bahrain on March 3rd.

Naomi Schiff W-Series 2019 — Image Credit: W-Series

Who is Naomi Schiff?

Born in Antwerp, Belgium, and raised in South Africa, Schiff began karting at age eleven. Schiff has since competed in the Southern African Formula Volkswagen, the GT4 European Series, won the Clio Cup China Series in 2014, and placed second in the 2018 ADAC Zurich 24 Hours Nurburgring.

Schiff joined the W-Series for their debut in 2019, where she placed 16th overall. While Schiff did not qualify to re-enter the W-Series in 2020, she was appointed their Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador and joined as one of the series presenters.

Naomi Schiff Interviewing George Russell — Image Credit: Instagram / @naomischiff

The Move to Sky Sports

In 2022, Schiff appeared alongside Matt Baker on Sky Sports’ new F1 show Any Driven Monday as an analyst and later joined the Sky Sports F1 presenting team. However, Schiff suffered from abuse online after her first appearance in the paddock with Sky Sports. The Belgian/Rwandan driver was targeted by internet trolls who quickly criticized her qualifications, many comments rooted in race.

7-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton quickly came to Schiff’s defense, publicly stating that she was more than qualified to give her opinion. Hamilton also encouraged a more welcoming approach to representation in sports broadcasting and said that the sport has a “long way” to go to change these attitudes.

Schiff released her own statement regarding the abuse: “Thank you to everyone who has come to my defense. I appreciate all the love and support, none of you go unnoticed! Sadly the issue of online bullying, bashing, shaming, etc. is one I don’t believe is going anywhere anytime soon. Social media, in some cases, gives voices to individuals who don’t deserve to be heard. So I encourage anyone reading this to not indulge in it or retaliate or seek revenge. Remember that your words do have impact and that therefore we should do something positive with these platforms and be kind to one another.” Schiff also wrote that she would not let the hate turn down her “ambition” or “passion.”

Naomi Schiff Interviewing Charles Leclerc — Image Credit: F1

From professional racing driver to TV presenter, Schiff has proven to be an influential figure in Motorsport. Schiff’s ability to persevere in the face of resistance has encouraged and inspired people to never allow the hatred of others deter them from pursuing their dreams. And while there is still plenty of work to be done, we can accelerate change by condemning hate and celebrating individuals like Schiff, who prove the importance of representation in sports.

Learn more about the inspiring women in Motorsport here.

Women in Motorsport

Top 3 Women in Motorsport Moments to Look Forward to in 2023

March 1, 2023 No Comments

With the new Formula 1 season only a few days away, here are the top 3 women in Motorsport moments to look forward to this year.

F1 Academy progression graph — Image credit: F1

1. The New F1 Academy

In November 2022, Formula 1 announced they would launch a new all-women driver’s series, F1 Academy, for the 2023 season. The F1 Academy is designed to prepare women drivers for higher levels of competition, such as Formula 3, Formula 2, and, ultimately, Formula 1. This initiative is unique because the series will consist of five teams run by current F2 and F3 teams—ART, Campos, Carlin, MP Motorsport, and Prema. Each team will enter three cars each, making up a 15-car grid. Drivers will participate in the first official testing session on April 11-12th at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The season begins in Spielberg, Austria, on April 28th.

Women in Motorsport: Sophia Flörsch racing driver — Image Credit: F1

2. Sophia Flörsch to Race in F3

This season Sophia Flörsch will be returning to FIA Formula 3 with PHM Racing by Charouz. Flörsch previously raced in the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2020 with Campos Racing, where she placed 29th. Since then, Flörsch has competed in Le Mans 24 Hours and the World Endurance Championship.

Flörsch will be the only woman on the grid this season, and we look forward to cheering her on!

3. Jamie Chadwick to Race for Indy NXT

Three-time W-Series champion Jamie Chadwick will be racing with Andretti Autosport for the upcoming Indy NXT season. She will be the first woman to compete full-time in the series in over 13 years and is the only woman on the grid for the 2023 season. Indy NXT is a feeder series for the IndyCar series, where Chadwick will gain hands-on experience competing against male drivers. Chadwick’s ultimate goal remains to reach Formula 1, and she has stated that she believes that Indy NXT will give her better opportunities to get there. Chadwick will also continue to work with Williams as part of the Williams Driver Academy.

Women in Motorsport: Jamie Chadwick in Williams garage — Image Credit: F1

Honourable Mention: The Return of the W-Series

While there has been no news yet regarding the future of the W-Series, we are certainly holding out hope for its return for the 2023 season. In 2022, the W-Series season ended prematurely due to a lack of funding, and they announced they would focus on securing long-term fundraising to return even stronger for the 2023 season. However, the W-Series has been relatively quiet regarding their return, leaving fans to speculate if we will see them on the grid this season.

Women in Motorsport

Sophia Flörsch and Her Journey to F3

February 22, 2023 No Comments

At only 22 years old, Sophia Flörsch has become a household name in the world of Motorsport. From a horrific crash in 2018 that made headlines around the globe to her relentless advocacy for women in Motorsport, Flörsch’s career is nothing short of inspirational. The German driver will be joining the F3 grid once again for the upcoming 2023 season.

Early Life and Career

Flörsch, born in Munich, Germany, began her racing career at four years old when she got behind the wheel of her first Kart. Shortly after, Flörsch rose through the ranks of Karting and won multiple championships before competing in the Ginetta Junior Championship in 2015, where she took home a double win. After graduating from the Ginetta Junior Championship in 2016, Flörsch made her debut in the ADAC Formula 4 Championship, where Flörsch placed 19^th and 13^th consecutively before moving up to European Formula 3 in 2018. Flörsch placed an impressive P7 in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine in 2019, leading her to move up to the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2020 with Campos Racing.

Sophia Floresch racing — Image Credit: Alessio Morgese/Luca Rossini

The 2018 Macau Grand Prix

In 2018, Flörsch’s career took a deadly turn at the Macau Grand Prix when she collided with the back of Jehan Daruvala after the driver braked to slow down for the yellow flag. Flörsch’s car went airborne at 171.6 mph before crashing through the fencing into the photographer’s bunker. Flörsch miraculously survived the crash but suffered a spinal fracture. The driver was rushed to a local hospital in Macau, where she underwent an 11-hour surgery to repair the fracture. Two photographers and marshals were also injured in the crash.

Flörsch didn’t let this deter her from her dreams. Instead, the crash only strengthened her determination to come back stronger. “It was always clear to come back, to drive again, to race again, and to fight for my dream,” she stated. Only four months after the accident, Flörsch was back behind the wheel, pursuing her dreams more confidently than ever. “It was actually probably the hardest time knowing that I’m not able to drive, and that made me realize even more how important the sport is to me and kind of grew my confidence. If I’m in the car now, I enjoy it more, and I’m more thankful for what I’m able to do.” Flörsch was awarded the World Comeback of the Year Award at the 2020 Laureus World Sports Awards, where she was celebrated for her resilience.

Flörsch’s Advocacy for Women in Motorsport

Throughout her career, Flörsch has advocated for women in Motorsport. The driver has been incredibly outspoken regarding the challenges women in this sport face compared to their male counterparts and has called for more support for female drivers. Flörsch is a proud ambassador for the FIA Girls on Track, an initiative to encourage young girls to pursue karting and provide them with the necessary opportunities to develop their skills.

Flörsch has also never been afraid to speak her mind regarding her criticisms surrounding representation in Motorsport. The driver has openly disapproved of the W-Series for segregating men and women, arguing that this is not how to help women in Motorsport. “It’s a marketing thing, and in my eyes, it’s not the way to help women in Motorsport. For me, racing in the W Series would be a step back on a sporting level,” the driver told Rheinische Post.

What’s Next?

Earlier this month, it was announced that Flörsch would return to the FIA Formula 3 Championship for the 2023 season with PHM Racing by Charouz. Flörsch stated that she is very excited about her return and looks forward to the challenges she will face this upcoming season.

“I am really excited and very happy to return to FIA Formula 3 this season with PHM Racing by Charouz. My goal has always been to race with the best of the best. Since the beginning of my career, I have been working very hard towards this goal every day with my team in the background.”

But that’s not all we will see from the driver this season. Flörsch will also be joining Alpine’s Race(H)er Programme, an initiative designed to increase diversity within the team. The programme will also provide the necessary resources to bridge the gap between men and women on the road to F1.

Sophia Floresch for Alpine's Race(H)er Programme — Image Credit: Alpine

From breaking barriers by becoming the first female F3 driver to overcoming the adversity from her 2018 crash, Sophia Flörsch is undeniably an inspiration to her fellow drivers and fans worldwide. Her resilience and determination have certainly contributed to her incredibly successful career. Still, they have also led to her being considered one of the most remarkable trailblazers for women in Motorsport. Watching Flörsch throughout her career has been a privilege, and I can’t wait to see where her career goes and what barriers she breaks down next.

Read more about the inspiring women in Motorsport here.

Women in Motorsport

Meet Hannah Schmitz: The Mastermind Behind Red Bull’s Race Strategy

January 27, 2023 No Comments

Red Bull has dominated the field for the past couple of seasons, securing the Driver’s Championship in 2021 and the Drivers and Constructor’s Championship in 2022. However, it is impossible to talk about Red Bull without acknowledging their Principal Strategy Engineer, Hannah Schmitz, who has undoubtedly played a considerable role in the team’s massive success.

Hannah Schmitz, Race Strategy Engineer for Red Bull Racing F1 Team — Image Credit: Red Bull

Early Life and Education

Schmitz demonstrated an interest in cars and how things worked from a very early age. This quickly turned into a passion for engineering, and Schmitz soon pursued a master’s degree from Cambridge University in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation, Schmitz joined Red Bull Racing in 2009 as a student intern.

Schmitz has been incredibly open about developing her confidence and navigating difficulties throughout her career, especially as a woman in a male-dominated field.

“As a strategist, you have to tell a lot of people what to do and they’ve got to listen to you, so it’s building up that trust and I think as a woman unfortunately that was harder, but now I have that respect and I hope other young women who want to get into the sport will see that you can do it, can embrace it, and we’ll see more diversity.”

Hannah Schmitz, Pierre Gasly, Max Verstappen, and Lewis Hamilton on the Podium at the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix — Image Credit: Andy Hone/Motorsport Images

Schmitz’s Impact on Redbull Racing

Although Schmitz has been working with Red Bull Racing for over a decade, the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix was the turning point in her career. After a safety car, Schmitz made the call to pit Verstappen for a third time, even though he was already leading the race. But after his third pit stop, Verstappen quickly overtook Hamilton and secured the win. Schmitz was highly celebrated and invited onto the podium to collect the Constructor’s trophy.

“It was an incredibly special moment and the pinnacle of my career,” she stated. “I’d actually just come back to work after having my first child so that was quite a big thing for me, to prove I was still here and could do the job well. It was just an incredible experience.”

This would not be the last time Schmitz would be praised for her quick thinking and ability to work so well under pressure. Schmitz was again celebrated at the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix when her pit-stop strategy led to Checo claiming the win and Verstappen securing a place on the podium. Dr. Helmet Marco, former racing driver and head of Red Bull’s Junior Driver’s programme, stated after the race that Red Bull’s win was mainly due to Schmitz.

Schmitz was also the mastermind behind Red Bull’s and Verstappen’s unlikely win at the 2022 Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest. Verstappen started the race in 10th place after suffering from a power unit issue in qualifying. Schmitz called for the last-minute switch from hard tyres to soft, and her flawless race strategy helped the dutchman work his way up the grid and take the win.

Image Credit: Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool

It is without a doubt that Schmitz has been instrumental to Red Bull’s and Verstappen’s success over the past several seasons. Her exceptional race strategies and calm demeanour have set the standard for other race strategists across the paddock. Schmitz has also inspired women worldwide who wish to get into the sport by showing them, and those who doubt them, that women are smart enough, capable enough, and deserving of a place in this sport.

Learn more about the inspiring women of Motorsport here.

Women in Motorsport

Monisha Kaltenborn and Claire Williams: Meet The Only Two Women to Hold the Position of Team Principal in Formula 1

January 6, 2023 No Comments

Only two women have held the position of team principal in the 72-year history of F1—Monisha Kaltenborn and Claire Williams.

Monisha Kaltenborn

Monisha Kaltenborn was born in Dehradun, India, before immigrating to Europe as a child with her family. From 1990-1995, Kaltenborn studied law at the University of Vienna before completing a master’s degree in International Business Law at the London School of Economics. In 1998, she was introduced to the world of Motorsport when she joined the legal department of Fritz Kaiser Group, a shareholder of the Sauber F1 team at the time. Kaltenborn continued to climb the ranks, taking a position on the Sauber Group’s management board in 2001 and being appointed CEO in 2010. But perhaps most impressively, Kaltenborn made history in 2012 when it was announced she would be taking over for Peter Sauber as Sauber F1’s team principal, making her the first woman to hold this position. Kaltenborn remained the team principal of Sauber until she departed from F1 in 2017.

While it has been several years since Kaltenborn worked in F1, her success and resilience continue to inspire women and girls who aim for a position at the top of the paddock. Her career shows that not only do women belong in Motorsport, but they can also make it all the way to the top. Here is her advice for the girls who wish to follow in her footsteps:

“You have the qualifications, you have the competencies, and you show your excellence through your job and your activities. And then don’t let yourself get intimated by some unqualified comments that you’re a woman.”

“What is most important is that you be yourself. Don’t try to then behave like a man or do it like a man because you cannot do that. As a woman you can’t, but you shouldn’t also need to.”

Claire Williams

Claire Williams joined her father, Frank Williams, F1 team in 2002 as a communications officer. And in 2010, Williams became the head of communications after receiving a promotion. But her career took an unexpected turn in 2012 when her father reduced his workload and stepped down from the Williams board. Claire stepped in, taking over her father’s position on the board, and a year later, she was appointed as William’s F1 deputy team principal. William’s F1 team finished third in the constructor’s championship twice under her leadership in 2014 and 2015. However, in 2020, after the team had suffered from financial constraints and underperformed in the preceding seasons, the Williams F1 team was acquired by Dorilton Capital, an investment firm based out of New York. After the Italian Grand Prix in September of the same year, Claire stepped down from her position at Williams, saying farewell to Formula 1.

Claire Williams is undoubtedly a trailblazer in the world of Motorsport. As the second woman in history to hold the position of F1 team principal, Williams has proven that women have the ability and skills to lead an F1 team. And while she may no longer be part of the Williams F1 team, she will always be acknowledged and celebrated for helping to pave the way for women in Motorsport.

Learn more about the inspirational women of F1 here.

Women in Motorsport

Britta Roeske’s Inspirational Career in F1

December 28, 2022 No Comments

The end of the 2022 season had us saying farewell to many household names in F1, including 4-time world champion Sebastian Vettel. However, Vettel’s departure from F1 comes with the departure of his long-term PR manager Britta Roeske. Roeske is often referred to as the “woman behind Sebastian Vettel,” having worked alongside him for over a decade. Yet she is so much more than that. Britta Roeske’s inspirational career and success have made her an important figure in the world of Motorsport, especially for women and young girls. It wouldn’t feel right to end the year (and season) without acknowledging all of Roeske’s accomplishments. She has, even perhaps unknowingly, helped change the future of F1 for women and young girls everywhere.

Roeske’s Beginning in F1

Roeske, originally from North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, began her career in F1 at the 2004 Nurburgring GP after being introduced to Renault team principal at the time, Flavio Briatore. With a background in economics, modern languages, and journalism, Roeske was offered a position with the Renault team as a trainee in the communications department.

The Move to Red Bull Racing

In 2005, Roeske made the move from Renault to Red Bull Racing. But it wasn’t until 2010 that Roeske began working closely with a young Sebastian Vettel. Roeske began managing Vettel’s appearances throughout race weekends, including going through any questions the journalists intended to ask the young driver. Commentators and sponsors would go directly to Roeske to ask about Vettel’s availability for interviews and special appearances.

Vettel’s time at Red Bull Racing came with its fair share of controversies, such as his infamous crash with his teammate Mark Webber in 2010 and his failure to obey team orders in 2013, which led him to overtake Webber and win the Malaysian GP. Roeske was there for Vettel through it all, expertly navigating and managing the media throughout one of the most challenging times of the driver’s career.

A New Chapter at Ferrari and Aston Martin

In 2015, Vettel announced his move to Ferrari. This left fans wondering what would happen to the dynamic duo and if Roeske would make the move to Ferrari. It’s safe to say everyone was pleased when Roeske showed up to the Australian GP rocking red gear. As a result, Roeske officially became the only PR manager at the track to be employed by a driver rather than a team. At Ferrari, Roeske took on the extra role of managing Vettel’s entire brand image. And even through one of the darkest moments of Vettel’s career, she never left his side.

In 2020, Vettel joined the Aston Martin F1 team, and it was no surprise that he was bringing Roeske along with him. “If I continue, she continues,” the four-time world champion stated. This was a true testament to how essential Roeske was to Vettel’s success.

Throughout her time in F1, Roeske has helped Vettel navigate the highs and lows of his career, all while managing his brand identity away from social media (which is as difficult as it is impressive). But she has also done so much more than that. She has inspired women and girls everywhere, setting an extraordinary example and proving that anything is possible. She has helped show that women deserve a spot on the grid, not to reach any quota, but rather because women have the skills and talent to be there. Watching her incredibly successful career over the past several years has been an honour, and while her exit from F1 saddens me and many others, I applaud everything she has accomplished. I am confident her work will continue to inspire young women everywhere for generations to come.

Women in Motorsport

F1 Academy vs. W Series: What’s the Difference?

December 14, 2022 No Comments

Formula 1 announced last month that they will be launching a new all-women driver series for 2023 called F1 Academy. This announcement has been met with criticism from the public, with people questioning the need for another all-women series. Many people also questioned how F1 Academy would differ from the existing (and struggling) W Series. The F1 Academy, much like the W Series, is designed as a feeder series to address the barriers women in Motorsport face and provide female drivers with the necessary opportunity and experience to advance to higher levels of competition. So, what exactly is the difference between the two?

F1 Academy progression path. — Credit: Formula 1

Cost

Unlike the W Series, the F1 Academy will not be free for drivers to enter. F1 will help to support drivers in F1 Academy by contributing €150,000 per car. However, drivers are required to cover the same amount of costs, with the teams covering the rest.

Engine

As of 2022, the W Series uses a Tatuus F3 T318 chassis with a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, which produces 270 horsepower. F1 Academy drivers will be using a Tatuus T421 chassis with turbocharged engines that produce 165 horsepower. This means the cars in F1 Academy will be slower in comparison to those used in the W Series. Both cars will remain significantly slower than an F3 car, which produces 380 horsepower.

Teams

F1 Academy will consist of five teams, which will be run by current F2 and F3 teams. Each team will enter three cars, making up a 15-car grid. While the W Series is also made up of several teams, these teams exist solely for sponsorship and identification purposes.

Tyres

One advantage that F1 Academy drivers will have is the use of Pirelli tyres. Pirelli currently supplies the tyres for F4, F3, F2, and F1 and offers multiple different tyre compounds to choose from. This means F1 Academy drivers will be able to gain experience using multiple different tyre compounds, which are integral to the race strategy. Hankook will remain the tyre partner for the W Series, and currently, only offer dry and wet tyre compounds.

Ultimately, there are pros and cons to both the W Series and F1 Academy. And while they both may be considered feeder series’, there are still some fundamental differences between these cars and the cars in higher levels of competition. Still, the F1 Academy is a positive thing for women in Motorsport. F1 Academy is providing more opportunities for female drivers to succeed and is helping to increase women’s representation across the grid. It also shows F1’s commitment to increasing diversity and inclusivity within the sport. I am looking forward to seeing how F1 Academy helps inspire more young girls and women and helps to open more avenues for them to enter and succeed in this sport.

Women in Motorsport

Lella Lombardi: The Only Woman to Score Points in a Formula 1 World Championship

July 19, 2022 No Comments

As the first and only woman to score points in a Formula 1 World Championship, Lella Lombardi remains one of the most successful and influential women figures in Motorsport and F1.

Lombardi was born in Frugarolo, Italy in 1941, and despite her family’s concerns and public perception at the time, she had a passion for cars and racing. She spent her teen years driving the delivery van for her family’s butcher shop and saved every dollar she made to buy her first car. It was this car that she participated in her first race with, in Formula Monza, 1965. Two years after her debut in Formula Monza, Lombardi moved on to Formula 850 where she won four out of the ten races, eventually taking the World Championship in 1971. Lombardi briefly moved on to the Italian F3 where she finished tenth in the Championship for two consecutive years.

Lombardi continued to impress with her skills and ability to handle the car, leading to her participation in multiple other series’ before racing for F1. In 1975, Lombardi made her F1 debut in South Africa, becoming the only other woman after Maria Teresa de Filippis to qualify for a Grand Prix. In only her second F1 race, she scored her infamous half-point at the Spanish GP, making her the only woman to score points in a F1 World Championship. Lombardi was also praised for her ability to finish seventh at the German GP despite suffering from a puncture.

Lombardi’s career was impressive, but what makes her a true inspiration was her determination and resilience. Her ability to persist and succeed despite public perception and criticism is nothing short of inspiring. Lella Lombardi did not care what others had to say about her, and she certainly did not allow the opinions of others to prevent her from doing what she loved. Lombardi’s story continues to inspire many of us to live our lives on our own terms, without apology.

Women in Motorsport

Susie Wolff and How She’s Changing the Future of Formula 1

June 29, 2022 No Comments

Susie Wolff has always demonstrated a passion for Motorsport, and her indisputable talent has contributed to her incredibly successful career. Not only has Wolff made Formula 1 history, but she has also launched and participated in several successful initiatives to help increase the number of young girls and women in karting, making her one of the greatest trailblazers for women in Motorsport.

Wolff started her career in Motorsport like many other successful racers, in karting. At only 13 years old, Wolff was crowned British Woman Kart Racing Driver of the Year. Wolff held this title for four years in a row and was eventually named the Top Female Kart Driver in the World. After a successful karting career, Wolff began her professional racing career in the Formula Renault UK Championship in 2001. Wolff managed three podium finishes and was nominated twice for the British Young Driver of the Year Award. In 2005, Wolff briefly competed in Formula 3, where she started two races, scoring points in one. However, an ankle injury ruined her chances of participating in a full season.

Wolff joined Williams Racing in 2012 as a development driver and held this position for three seasons before her promotion to Test Driver in 2015. At the British Grand Prix in 2014, Wolff made history by becoming the first woman to participate in a Formula 1 weekend in over 22 years by entering FP1 for Williams. Mechanical issues forced Wolff to retire after only one lap, but she participated in another FP1 at Hockenheim later that year and appeared as the team’s test driver twice more before retiring from her career in Motorsport to focus on her Dare to be Different initiative, which launched in 2016.

Dare to be Different was designed to inspire young girls and women from all different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds to become involved in all areas of Motorsport. In 2016, Dare to be Different had five major headlining events, where girls had the opportunity to try out karting with mentoring provided by highly successful women in Motorsport. At the events, young girls were also able to talk with women in STEM about career opportunities in Motorsport and were able to try out media presentations with Sky Sports. Wolff’s hard work and dedication to diversity and women in Motorsport led to her being awarded an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in 2017.

In 2019, The FIA Women in Motorsport Commission and Dare to be Different joined forces to launch a new motorsport program for young girls ages 8-18, Girls on Track. The first Girls on Track event took place at the 2019 CBMN Niobium Mexico City E-Prix and had several activities for the girls to take part in such as karting, pit-stop challenges, media training, STEM activities, and fitness/well-being workshops. Wolff also made history in 2018 by becoming the first female team principal of a Formula E team, VENTURI racing. Wolff has stated that her team is full of a lot of great women, and not because they are there to reach a quota.

“There are a lot of great women within my team that were employed because they are the best people for the job, not because they are women. I think it is getting better but fundamentally, it is still a man’s world.”

Wolff’s incredible success demonstrates to young girls and women across the world that a career in Motorsport is possible. Moreover, with her dedication to increasing the number of women in Motorsport through her initiative Dare to be Different, Wolff is breaking down the barriers women disproportionately face in karting when it comes to numbers, equal opportunity, and money. This gives young girls the opportunity to showcase their talent and develop successful careers. It is without a doubt that Wolff’s one of Motorsports’ greatest role models. Her success and relentless commitment to increasing the number of women in Motorsport are nothing short of inspirational. Not only are Wolff’s efforts guaranteed to change the involvement of women in the industry, but they will also greatly impact the future of Motorsport for generations to come.

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