GENDER PARITY
“ When girls see others breaking barriers , they ’ re more likely to pursue their own dreams ”
MIKAELA ÅHLIN-KOTTULINSKY , RACING DRIVER ,
ROSBERG X RACING
Challenges for women in motorsport More than half a billion people around the world regularly tune in to watch motor racing events . The industry can certainly have a prestigious feel , with events shown on screens around the world and luxury vehicle brands competing for titles . This , however , often makes racing prohibitively expensive .
Most professional racing drivers will have begun racing by the age of 12 . Young drivers can be asked to fork out hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a weekend in the drivers seat . Without sponsorship , pursuing a career as a motorsport driver can be effectively impossible . A set of tyres for low-level karting often last just one race weekend and can cost more than US $ 200 . Licenses , vehicle maintenance , club membership and race fees are just a few of the costs young drivers face .
Investors can be less willing to take risks on women early in their racing careers , according to More Than Equal . Without investment , it is extremely difficult to get on the track – but without proving you ’ re worthy of a sponsorship , investors have to take chances .
Swedish racing driver Mikaela Åhlin- Kottulinsky drove for Rosberg X Racing in Extreme E and took home the championship title with her teammate Johan Kristoffersson in 2023 .
“ As a female driver in a maledominated field , I ’ ve often encountered skepticism and been overlooked , even when my performance matched or exceeded my male peers ,” she says .
“ Early in my career , I sometimes had to fight for the same opportunities , which required persistence and proving my abilities repeatedly .
“ We need equal access to resources and training from a young age , as well as targeted programmes that identify and nurture female talent . Visibility and mentorship are also key alongside
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