In a groundbreaking move, F1 Academy™ has partnered with The Female Quotient (The FQ), marking a significant step towards advancing gender equality in motorsport. This collaboration brings together the world of high-speed racing with The FQ’s mission to close the gender gap through collaborative initiatives and thought leadership.
The Power of Collaboration
Announced on August 29, 2023, F1 Academy™, the organization committed to developing female talent in motorsport, revealed its collaboration with The FQ, a female-founded media and experiential brand. This partnership aims to leverage The FQ’s expertise in fostering gender equality to inspire and empower the next generation of women in motorsport.
At the core of this partnership is the integration of The FQ’s Equality Lounge® into F1 Academy™ race weekends across the globe. These Equality Lounges® are designed to be more than just networking spaces—they are platforms for influential conversations that challenge the status quo and drive progress in motorsport and beyond. The first of these will debut at the Singapore Grand Prix, setting the stage for what promises to be a transformative series of events.
Igniting Change On and Off the Track
Shelley Zalis, Founder and CEO of The FQ, emphasized the importance of visibility and opportunity for women in motorsport: “Every race begins with a dream, and it’s time we ensure that dream is accessible to everyone. We need more women in motorsport and the business of racing, not just to diversify the field, but to redefine what’s possible.”
Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 Academy™, echoed these sentiments, highlighting how this collaboration aligns with F1 Academy™’s mission to inspire young women and create opportunities within the sport. “Collaborating with The FQ gives us an unparalleled opportunity to drive meaningful off-track conversations and foster a community of women with shared values and a collective mission to drive change in our sport,” Wolff stated.
Spotlight on the Track: Nina Gademan’s Debut
A key highlight of this collaboration is the introduction of the FQ Wild Card entry, which made its debut during the Zandvoort round of the F1 Academy™ season. Dutch racer Nina Gademan, representing The FQ, took to the track in a specially designed FQ race suit and car livery. Gademan’s participation symbolizes the tangible impact of this collaboration, showcasing how such initiatives can provide real opportunities for women in motorsport.
Gademan’s journey is a testament to perseverance and breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport. Her advice to young girls aspiring to follow in her footsteps is simple yet powerful: “You should always try, even when you think it’s impossible. Despite the doubts, hard work can turn the impossible into reality.”
Looking Ahead
This partnership between F1 Academy™ and The FQ is not just about supporting female drivers on the track; it’s about creating lasting change in the culture of motorsport. By bringing together leaders from various industries in the Equality Lounge® and showcasing female talent, F1 Academy™ and The FQ are driving forward a new era where gender equality is at the forefront of motorsport innovation.
As the collaboration unfolds, fans and industry professionals alike can look forward to more initiatives that will continue to push boundaries and inspire the next generation of women in motorsport. With live streams available on F1 Academy™’s YouTube and X channels, the world is watching as this powerful partnership drives equality, one race at a time.
