Parity In The Paddock
There Is No Fast Track To Equal Opportunity In Motorsport But We Must All Drive In The Same Direction.
MOTORSPORT has long been considered a male-dominated world—a high-speed, high-stakes arena where only a few women have managed to carve out a space for themselves. While history remembers trailblazers like Michèle Mouton, who shattered stereotypes in rallying, or Lella Lombardi, the only woman to score points in Formula 1 (other than Monaco), she qualified for every 1975 season race), the reality is that women in motorsport have remained the exception rather than the rule. The numbers tell a stark story. Despite the growing interest in female participation, motorsport remains a field where opportunities for women are scarce. Yet, the question has never been about talent—it has always been about opportunity.
That is why I founded Iron Dames—out of passion, determination, and conviction—to challenge the status quo and provide women with the support they need to make their dreams a reality. It is about giving them the platform and visibility to thrive—not just on the track, but across all facets of the sport.
Since its inception in 2018, Iron Dames has grown from a bold vision into a recognized force in international racing. Competing across endurance, single-seaters, karting, and rallying (the Iron Dames team at the 2025 Rallye Monte-Carlo marked the first all-female crew to embark on a full WRC season in 40 years), we have demonstrated that, given the right support, women can reach the top and achieve historic milestones. Our victories in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the 24 Hours of Spa, the European Le Mans Series, Ferrari Challenge, and Formula 4 are not just trophies; they are statements that the tide is turning—strong messages of hope for the next generation.
But Iron Dames is not just about today—it is about the future. This project is built for the long term, with the ambition of creating lasting change in motorsport. We are laying the foundation for a new era, where talent, not gender, defines opportunity. What we have achieved so far is only the beginning. The road ahead is full of challenges, but our determination is unwavering.
Too often, discussions about women in motorsport focus solely on whether a female driver will race in Formula 1. While this remains an important goal, real progress requires a broader vision. Motorsport is a diverse ecosystem, and women's success should not be measured solely by their presence in F1.
“The true measure of success will not be a single woman standing on a podium but a sport where gender is no longer a factor in determining opportunity.”
True change begins with strong foundations. It starts with identifying and nurturing young female talent from the earliest stages of their careers, ensuring they receive the same opportunities, technical training, and competitive exposure as their male counterparts. It means creating clear and structured pathways to the highest levels of the sport, allowing female drivers to develop their skills with the right support at every stage. Just as essential is the visibility of role models. Too many young girls with a passion for racing lack mentors to inspire them and guide them through the complexities of the sport. Through strong female representation in major championships, dedicated mentorship programs, and ongoing advocacy for gender equality in motorsport governance, we are working to make motorsport a more inclusive and accessible space.
However, progress is not just about the drivers. Motorsport is a team effort, and success depends on a wide range of skills—engineers, strategists, pit crews, managers, and decision-makers all play a crucial role in shaping results. Encouraging young women to see these careers as viable paths is fundamental to building a more balanced future. The true measure of success will not be a single woman standing on a podium but a sport where gender is no longer a factor in determining opportunity.
Achieving this vision is a collective effort. Around the world, positive initiatives are emerging, led by teams, manufacturers, governing bodies, and sponsors who recognize the importance of diversity in motorsport. Their commitment to supporting female talent is essential to ensuring that progress is not only sustained but accelerated.
The role of institutions and stakeholders in fostering an environment where female drivers and professionals can thrive cannot be overstated. By continuing to invest in structured development programs, increasing visibility for women across all disciplines, and ensuring equal opportunities at every level, the motorsport industry is taking meaningful steps toward a more inclusive future. Iron Dames is proud to be part of this movement, working alongside all those who believe that the sport benefits when it embraces talent in all its diversity.
Beyond motorsport, we see proof that true gender equality in competition is possible. Equestrianism, for example, has long been a sport where men and women compete on equal footing, proving that skill, strategy, and resilience matter more than physical strength. This same principle drives Iron Dames Equestrian, where our Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames team made history in 2024 as the first all-female team to win the Global Champions League. These achievements send a powerful message: when given equal opportunities, women do not just participate—they excel. This proof of concept led to the launch our second team, the Monaco Comets, who will compete at the 2025 Jumping Monte-Carlo July 3-5.
Striving for equality in motorsport reflects a broader societal challenge: ensuring that every individual, regardless of gender, background, or circumstances, has the opportunity to pursue their dreams. This belief is at the core of the “Every Dream Matters” movement, launched at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2024. It is a message that extends beyond the racetrack—whether in sport, business, science, or the arts, no dream should be out of reach simply because of who you are.
Motorsport has the power to inspire, push boundaries, and showcase what is possible when talent is given the chance to shine. It is not just about competition—it is about proving that with dedication and the right support, anyone can achieve greatness.
I believe in a future where women are no longer seen as exceptions but as an integral part of the sport. A future where every young girl who dreams of running, of being an engineer, of leading a team, of excelling in any field where she is told she has no place, knows she has a place and the opportunity to succeed.
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