Formula E announces FIA world-first all-female test

Formula E has officially announced that an all-female test will take place next month during the official pre-season test in Valencia. 

In a world-first for an FIA championship, each of the 11 teams must field at least one female driver for the half-day test on Thursday 7 November; however, the outfits are being encouraged to field two drivers. 

The current Gen3 Evo cars which are new to the championship for the upcoming season will be used by the female drivers. 

Despite a recent push to increase the number of women in motorsport, it remains a very male-dominated industry. According to recent FIA figures, just 3% of top-tier FIA racing licenses are held by women.

The test aims to offer female drivers a chance to demonstrate their talent on a world stage and show that FE can be a career path. 

All drivers testing at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo will also take part in interviews and press conferences, in an attempt to increase their profile. 

In addition to the test, FE is delivering an extended FIA Girls on Track programme during pre-season testing in Valencia and throughout the entire S11. 400 local young women will have the chance to watch the test in Spain and engage with the female drivers whilst also undertaking workshops. 

FE is also working with the teams to provide more chances for female drivers, whether that be in the simulator, additional testing or increased engineering support. 

Crucially, the fourth generation of FE car – introduced in Season 13 (2026/27) – will also feature power steering, which will aide the performance of both female and male drivers.

Formula E pushing for more

The all-female test itself is part of a new initiative by the all-electric championship, which adapts a broader long-term strategy to remove barriers and create opportunities for women in motorsport.

“We know there isn’t a simple solution for greater diversity in motorsport," said FE CEO Jeff Dodds. "If we’re going to truly give women equality, opportunity and visibility in our series, however, conditions for all need to be the same to aid their development and test themselves against those already on the starting grid.  

“Unlike other series where women drivers have to use old or restricted machinery, they’ll be using the state-of-the-art GEN3 Evo car that accelerates 30% faster than an F1 car, just as our Championship drivers do.

“We also recognise that one test will not solve the longstanding issue, but we have to start somewhere, knowing there is a long way to go and making sure we’re making proactive, consistent steps that continue to make forward progress. 

"As a motorsport with an almost-equal split of male and female fans, as well within Formula E including my Exec and Director teams, we believe it’s only right that our drivers and wider ecosystem is representative of those that follow and support the sport.”