Women Accelerate in Formula E: Five Trailblazers Shaping Motorsport's Future
Women are no longer an absent gender at major racing events like Formula E. In fact, many have excelled in motorsport, securing seats with teams as simulator and development drivers while also actively participating in race events. On the occasion of International Women's Day, learn about some of the biggest names on the track today, from Jamie Chadwick to Abbi Pulling. These drivers are setting powerful examples to inspire and bring more women into motorsport by sharing their stories on social media and through dedicated initiatives.
Five Women Drivers Making a Significant Impact in Formula E
Jamie Chadwick
Jamie Chadwick is a highly familiar and respected name on the race circuit. She participated in the Women's Test last year and is a three-time W Series champion. Chadwick made her Formula E debut with NIO and has also raced with Jaguar TCS Racing. Not only that, she served as a development driver at Williams F1, showcasing her versatility and skill across different racing formats.
Sharing her Women's Day gift for aspiring girls, Chadwick posted on Instagram: "Super excited to launch this! This International Women's Day I'm pledging 5000 free @daytonamsport karting sessions for girls under the age of 18 throughout 2026! I set up the @jamiechadwickseries to encourage girls to get involved in racing and through these sessions I hope even more of you come down to give it a go. Registration opens on 8th March and girls will have 72 hours to sign up to the free sessions at the link in my bio. Looking forward to seeing you all out on track!"
Abbi Pulling
Abbi Pulling is a formidable force to reckon with on the track. The Nissan rookie and simulator driver has many laurels to her name. She impressively topped the maiden Women's Test and also won the prestigious F1 Academy title in 2024, marking her as a rising star in the sport.
Alice Powell
Alice Powell secured the opportunity to become the official simulator and development driver for Envision Racing in Formula E Season 7. She is a five-time W Series race winner, demonstrating consistent performance. Powell participated in the 2020 Marrakesh rookie test as well as the Valencia preseason testing. Additionally, she secured two podium finishes and ended up in fourth position in the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY during its second season.
Bianca Bustamante
Bianca Bustamante is currently serving as the official development driver at Cupra Kiro. In a promotional post for Women's Day, the racer wrote: "Today is International Women's Day, but the truth is: every day is ours. Take the space." She put up an impressive performance by producing the third-fastest time when she went behind the wheel of a Formula E car for the first time in the 2024 Women's Test while driving for NEOM McLaren. Previously, Bustamante participated in the W Series, where she secured five podiums including two wins, and was also part of the GB3 Championship last year.
Nerea Marti
Andretti simulator driver Nerea Martí is now the team ambassador as well and is a highly visible face in the paddock at race events. She conducts interviews with drivers and others and also interacts with fans to hype them up, enhancing the fan experience. Martí has driven for Andretti at preseason Women's Tests in Madrid and Valencia before, gaining valuable track experience.
These five women are not just participants but pivotal figures in Formula E, driving change and encouraging diversity in a traditionally male-dominated sport. Their achievements and outreach efforts are crucial for inspiring future generations of female racers.
