Women Breaking Barriers in Formula E

Formula E, the all-electric motorsport championship, has seen a growing number of women making significant contributions both on and off the track. While historically a male-dominated field, Formula E is actively working to increase female representation, showcasing talent in driving roles, engineering, team management and broadcasting. This article highlights the pioneering women who have left their mark on the series and those poised to shape its future.

Pioneering Drivers

Simona de Silvestro

Simona de Silvestro is the most experienced female driver in Formula E history, having competed with Andretti Autosport for two seasons. The Swiss-Italian driver debuted at the end of Season 1, finishing just outside the points in both races. She achieved championship points in both Long Beach and Berlin the following season, becoming the first and, to date, only woman to score points in a Formula E race . De Silvestro later served as a Test Driver for Venturi Formula E and a Porsche Works Driver, contributing to their development efforts . Beyond Formula E, she has competed in IndyCar, Supercars, and, remarkably, is now a bobsledder, representing Italy at the 2026 Winter Olympics and finishing 23rd in the final .

Katherine Legge

Katherine Legge holds the distinction of being the first woman to race in a Formula E event, participating in the inaugural 2014 Beijing E-Prix with Amlin Aguri . Following her Formula E stint, Legge has competed in NASCAR, the FIA World Endurance Championship, and the Indy 500, where she holds the record for the fastest qualifying speed achieved by a woman . She returned to the Formula E paddock for testing with Mahindra Racing in 2018 and also competed in the Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy .

Leadership and Advocacy

Susie Wolff

Susie Wolff is a prominent advocate for women in motorsport. After a successful racing career in Formula Renault and the German Touring Car (DTM) championship, she transitioned into team management, serving as Team Principal and later CEO of ROKiT Venturi Racing . Currently, Wolff is the Managing Director of F1 Academy, dedicated to developing and promoting female talent in Formula 1 .

Rising Stars and Expanding Roles

Nicki Shields

Nicki Shields has been a key figure in Formula E broadcasting for over a decade, providing expert analysis with a scientific background .

Jamie Chadwick

Three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick has tested Formula E cars on multiple occasions, most recently during the 2025 Women’s Test . She has also competed in Extreme E and the INDY NXT series .

Alice Powell

Alice Powell has been a development driver for Envision Racing since Season 7, contributing to their simulator work and on-track testing . She also competed in the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY, achieving two podium finishes .

Abbi Pulling

Abbi Pulling impressed during the first Women’s Test, setting the fastest time. In 2025, she signed a multi-year deal with Nissan Formula E Team as a rookie and simulator driver .

Bianca Bustamante

Bianca Bustamante, a rising talent from the Philippines, has competed in W Series and F1 Academy. She gained Formula E experience during the 2024 Women’s Test with NEOM McLaren and is now a development driver for CUPRA KIRO .

Nerea Marti

Nerea Marti is a Team Ambassador for Andretti Formula E Team, connecting with fans and supporting race preparation through simulator work . She has also competed in F1 Academy and the Supercars Endurance Championship .

Looking Ahead

The increasing presence of women in Formula E signals a positive shift towards greater inclusivity in motorsport. With dedicated initiatives like the Women’s Test and the continued development of programs like F1 Academy, the future looks bright for female participation in all aspects of this exciting championship.