Transformative Year for Motorsport: 40% of Formula 1 Fans Now Female
In the world of motorsport, change is on the horizon, particularly for women. Charlotte Tilbury, a renowned figure, sees the evolving landscape of Formula 1 as an opportunity to tackle barriers to entry for women, such as limited opportunities, lack of representation, and ingrained stereotypes.
The F1 Academy, launched in 2023, is a testament to this change. Led by former driver Susie Wolff, the Academy aims to nurture female driving talent and create a pipeline for women to eventually compete at higher levels of motorsport, including Formula 1. The races from the Academy's season have been broadcast in over 160 territories, reaching a global audience.
The Academy has secured the support of all ten Formula 1 teams, including Ferrari and Red Bull, for the past two seasons. British driver Abbi Pulling became champion in 2024 and secured a fully-funded seat in GB3 with Rodin Motorsport for 2025. Jessica Hawkins, a racing driver and stunt driver, is one of the Academy's standout drivers. She competed in the James Bond film No Time To Die and is now a Brand Ambassador for ELEMIS, partnered with Aston Martin Aramco.
The FIA, the governing body of Formula 1, is also making strides in gender equality. As of December 2024, the FIA has a workforce where women make up 32% of its employees, with nearly half in senior positions. Laura Mueller made history in 2025 as the first female Race Engineer in Formula 1 history.
The sport's fan base is also becoming more diverse. Forty percent of Formula 1 fans now identify as F1 fan girls, and Box to Box Films, Netflix, and Drive to Survive have contributed to the popularity of Formula 1 among a new generation of girls and women. Naomi Schiff is a presenter giving her perspective on Formula 1 races.
Wella Professional, a leading hair care brand, has also joined the movement. They partnered with the F1 Academy as an official partner in a multi-year deal, with Joanne Ciconte driving the Wella Professional's MP car. Marlene Lotter, the Global Brand Senior Vice President at Wella Company, sees the partnership as part of their commitment to empower hair professionals and beauty lovers.
In the past, female representation in Formula 1 was limited, with only five women having officially competed in World Championship Grands Prix since the late 1950s. However, historical figures like Maria Teresa de Filippis and Lella Lombardi paved the way, with de Filippis competing in five races and qualifying for three, and Lombardi scoring official championship points in the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix.
While direct female participation as drivers in F1 races remains exceptional historically and currently, the wider motorsport ecosystem is evolving with increased female presence and opportunities. The sport is actively working to increase female participation, and it is hoped that the next decade will see a woman racing in F1.
[1] Formula 1. (2023). F1 Academy. https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1-academy-launches-to-support-the-next-generation-of-female-drivers.1582993897317.html [2] BBC Sport. (2023). Susie Wolff appointed managing director of F1 Academy. https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/61938550 [3] Wikipedia. (2023). Lella Lombardi. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lella_Lombardi [4] Grand Prix 247. (2025). Formula 1 fan base becomes more gender diverse. https://www.grandprix247.com/2025/03/15/formula-1-fan-base-becomes-more-gender-diverse/ [5] Racing News 365. (2025). Laura Mueller makes history as first female Race Engineer in Formula 1. https://www.racingnews365.com/f1/laura-mueller-makes-history-as-first-female-race-engineer-in-formula-1/11476982/
- The launched F1 Academy in 2023, led by Susie Wolff, aims to foster female driving talent and create a pathway for women to compete at higher levels of motorsport, promoting health, fitness, and empowerment.
- Jessica Hawkins, a racing driver and stunt driver, shines in the F1 Academy, gaining recognition in the James Bond film No Time To Die and becoming a Brand Ambassador for ELEMIS, partnered with Aston Martin Aramco, showcasing her style and beauty.
- The FIA, the governing body of Formula 1, has made significant strides in gender equality, with women comprising 32% of its workforce, including nearly half in senior positions, emphasizing the importance of health and equal opportunity.
- Wella Professional, a hair care brand, partners with the F1 Academy as an official partner, reinforcing their commitment to empower hair professionals and beauty lovers, contributing to the overall beauty and style of the sport.
