The Formula E Women's Test: Breaking Barriers, Sending Signals

Formula E is dedicating one day exclusively to female drivers during its Pre-Season Testing in Valencia, an initiative aimed at promoting gender equality in a sport that remains overwhelmingly male-dominated. By providing this platform, the series is working to make the pinnacle of electric motorsport more accessible to women, forging new connections between talented female drivers and teams.

The last female racing driver to compete in an official Formula E race was Simona de Silvestro, who raced for Andretti Autosport alongside Jean-Eric Vergne in Season 2.  She will return to a Formula E cockpit, however, for the Women's Test, where she'll be driving for Kiro Race Co. While de Silvestro was the last to participate in a proper race, other women, such as Jamie Chadwick, Alice Powell, and Marta García, have been involved as test or development drivers. However, no other woman has yet raced in an official Formula E event since de Silvestro left the series as a full time driver.

Returning Drivers: Evidence of Progress and Trust

The significance of this initiative goes beyond simply offering one-off opportunities. Several drivers are returning to test a Formula E car, demonstrating that their previous performances have made a lasting impression on teams and the series alike. For these women, it’s not just about getting a foot in the door, but about building meaningful momentum and connections towards a future in the pinnacle of electric motorsport.

Take, for example Marta García or Alice Powell who are returning to a Formula E cockpit for this test. The fact that they are being invited back shows that tests like these are more than just a one-time opportunity. They are a chance to show skills. To create connections. Being invited back is a telltale sign that the first test proved convincing enough to make teams believe that inviting the drivers back for a test would be beneficial for both the drivers and the teams. Actively considering the drivers talented enough to be of good use for the development of the car and giving them valuable testing time, giving them the time to hone their skills in the electric race car. This second opportunity sends a clear message to the wider motorsport community: these women have the talent it takes to succeed, they just have to be given the possibility and the right tools to work with.

Moreover, the return of these drivers also speaks to the trust they have in Formula E as a serious platform for their careers. If they didn’t see potential or value in testing for Formula E, they likely wouldn’t have agreed to participate again. Their return highlights the fact that the series is positioning itself as a credible career path for these talented women. 

This sentiment is reinforced by the inclusion of British driver Abbi Pulling, who will be driving for Nissan in this test. Pulling is the protégé of Alice Powell, who has been a Development Driver for Envision since 2021. Powell’s involvement in mentoring Pulling shows her belief in the value of these tests—not just for herself, but for the rising generation of female talent. It’s clear that the opportunities Formula E provides are seen as significant stepping stones for drivers like Pulling, who are aiming to make their mark on the sport.

Paving the Way for the Future

While these tests may not guarantee an immediate race seat, they represent a crucial step toward breaking down barriers. By providing talented female drivers with the opportunity to showcase their abilities, Formula E is actively creating pathways that could ultimately lead to seeing a woman on the grid in the near future again. An initiative like this will hopefully not only open doors but also inspire other motorsport series to follow suit.