Formula E to Host Female Driver Test in Push for Greater Inclusion Ahead of Gen4 Era

Plans have been made to organize a test for female drivers in the Formula E series later this year. The goal of this test is to encourage the inclusion of more female talent in future racing seats during the Gen4 era, which begins in 2026. Previously, Formula E held a similar test in 2018, where 11 drivers, including Katherine Legge, Tatiana Calderon, Jamie Chadwick, and Beitske Visser, participated in a test day alongside regular Formula E drivers. This time, each team will nominate a female driver to participate in the test, and discussions with potential participants have already begun. Marta Garcia, the 2023 F1 Academy champion, who recently had her first experience in Formula E in Berlin, may be one of the drivers involved in the test. She has expressed her support for the initiative and believes it is a great opportunity for women to showcase their skills in Formula E. Another driver, Alice Powell, who also participated in the test in Valencia, sees these opportunities as crucial for the future of Formula E. She believes that more chances for female drivers, such as the rookie test, will allow them to gain experience and potentially secure a place in Formula E. Formula E plans to introduce power steering in its Gen4 car starting in 2026 to handle the physical demands of racing and promote equality between male and female drivers. The recent appointment of Beth Paretta as Vice President of Sport for Formula E Operations further demonstrates the series’ commitment to promoting diversity and creating new opportunities for participants. Paretta emphasizes the importance of providing long-term opportunities for women in motorsport, rather than just isolated test days, in order to promote their development and success. She believes that investing in women will ultimately lead to better racing and a more inclusive sport.