Attending the British Grand Prix at Silverstone this year was not just exhilarating—it was enlightening. Beyond the high-speed thrills of the race, I was privileged to attend the “Women In Motorsport” event, organised by Silverstone with fantastic support from Charlotte Tilbury Beauty and Champneys Health Resorts. This gathering celebrated the significant contributions and untapped potential of women in the world of motorsports.
An Inspiring Atmosphere
The atmosphere at the Silverstone-organised “Women In Motorsport” event provided a truly inspiring contrast to the usual racetrack adrenaline. Set against the backdrop of roaring engines, it was a haven of empowerment and innovation. Charlotte Tilbury added a touch of elegance with their beauty consultations, and Champneys brought a mini spa experience, emphasising wellness in this high-stress sport. Surrounded by women working in motorsport, those aspiring to join, and fans advocating for female representation, the energy was contagious.
A Star-Studded Panel
A major highlight was the panel discussion led by Toni Cowan-Brown, who is renowned for her insightful commentary on technology and politics, as well as her dedication to promoting gender equality in tech and motorsports.. The panel, featuring influential figures in motorsports, included:
● Chloe Chambers: A young driver breaking through barriers, Chloe discussed her journey and the dual challenges and triumphs of navigating a male-dominated field. Her tales were so vivid and fast-paced that they nearly required seat belts!
● Burcu Cetinkaya: Bringing a global perspective, FIA chairman and seasoned rally driver Burcu spoke of her international competitions and the broader landscape for women in the sport.
● Anna Kebke: Known for her work with the E1 Series as Sustainability lead, Anna highlighted the essential roles women occupy behind the scenes, from engineering to strategic team management, showcasing the critical thinking needed in competitive environments.
Empowering Conversations
The panel tackled key issues like representation, sustainability, and empowerment, underlining the ongoing need to boost female participation across all levels of motorsport, including initiatives like the F1 Academy designed to develop emerging female talent in racing. The discussions revealed both strides and gaps in the current landscape, emphasising that while the road ahead is promising, it’s long and requires sustained effort and support.
Reflections on Change and Progress
Following the event, I was captivated by a Forbes article by James Morris featuring an interview with Ali Donnelly, CEO of More Than Equal. Donnelly's remarks on the underrepresentation of women in motorsport—less than 10% globally—are a call to action. Her words, “If you can’t see it, you can’t be it,” highlight the desperate need for visible role models and robust media support for women in the sport.
Recent successes like Jamie Chadwick's continued dominance in the W Series and Abbi Pulling’s promising performances underscore the emerging talent pool and the positive impact of providing platforms that spotlight these remarkable athletes.
While More Than Equal’s strategy to identify and nurture female driving talent through data and comprehensive coaching is a step forward, the pace of change remains frustratingly slow. It feels like we're revved up with limited track to race on.
Challenges in Media Coverage
The lack of media coverage for women in motorsport continues to be a significant barrier. Despite numerous achievements, women often receive less limelight than their male counterparts. This disparity not only undermines current athletes but also deters potential newcomers looking for idols.
Looking Ahead
My time at the British Grand Prix and the “Women In Motorsport” event organised by Silverstone left me both inspired and eager for accelerated progress. I am excited by the advancements and initiatives led by organisations like More Than Equal, but the urge for quicker change persists. It is imperative for the industry, media, and fans to advocate more forcefully for the recognition and representation of women in motorsports. We mustn't ease off the throttle now; let’s push full speed ahead towards a finish line marked by true equality.
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