Female Formula E driver breaks FIA single-seater speed record
Saudi Arabian female Formula E racing driver Reem Al Aboud's achievement is a leap forward for inclusivity.
In a notable development for motorsport, Reem Al Aboud, a trailblazing Saudi Arabian female Formula E racing driver, recently achieved a significant acceleration milestone, surpassing the current Formula 1 benchmark.
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This feat underscores Formula E’s commitment to innovation and diversity in celebrating International Women’s Day (March 8). Behind the wheel of the GENBETA electric race car, Al Aboud clocked a 0-60mph time of 2.49s, outpacing the 2.6-second benchmark for current single-seaters. This achievement highlights the advanced capabilities of Formula E’s GENBETA programme, showcasing an ‘unlocked’ GEN3 race car developed by Formula E and the FIA and enhanced by championship partners. Moreover, it emphasises Formula E’s mission to break barriers for women in motorsport.
“Being a part of this landmark moment is a dream come true. It’s not just about the speed; it’s about breaking barriers and showcasing the immense potential of women in motorsports. Formula E has given me the platform to make a statement, and I’m honoured to be a part of this journey towards gender equality in racing,” says Al Aboud.
Jeff Dodds, the CEO of Formula E, comments: “The benchmark achieved by Reem is a testament to what we stand for at Formula E: Innovation, equality, and competition. Her success is not just a win for Formula E, but a leap forward for inclusivity in racing, and we all join her in celebrating this milestone.”
Al Aboud’s connection with Formula E dates back to 2018 when she became the first and youngest Saudi woman to drive hot laps at a Formula E circuit in a Nissan GEN2 car, coinciding with the year women were first granted the right to drive in the Kingdom.
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The GENBETA car, an innovation and development programme utilising the all-electric GEN3 race car with 400kW of power charged by ABB and modifications by championship partners SABIC and Hankook, represents the pinnacle of electric racing technology. Generative AI powered by Google Cloud provided real-time telemetry performance data, enabling Al Aboud to set the new acceleration benchmark and push the boundaries of electric motorsport.
In a further demonstration of empowerment, young Saudi women from local schools shared messages of inspiration for Al Aboud, captured on the car’s livery, fostering an atmosphere of motivation and support. This initiative coincided with the expansion of the FIA Girls on Track programme, focusing on careers and education in motorsport, underscoring Formula E’s commitment to encouraging young girls to pursue their motorsport dreams.
The expansion of the FIA Girls on Track programme to all 11 race weekends this season will provide over 2 000 girls with the chance to engage in workshops, meet inspirational women from the EV series motorsport paddock, and attend career talks at local universities. Formula E’s dedication to diversity is further highlighted by the newly announced NXT Gen Cup, featuring both male and female drivers.
Season 10 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship continues on March 16 with the São Paulo E-Prix, where Jaguar TCS Racing aims to continue its impressive start to the season and extend its lead at the top of both the FIA World Championships for drivers and teams.
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