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In the adrenaline-fueled world of motorsport, Saudi Arabia’s trailblazing female racer, Aseel Al-Hamad, is steering the way towards a more inclusive and diverse future for the sport. With only 1.5 percent of racing licenses held by women, Al-Hamad recognizes that there’s an urgent need for change in the male-dominated motorsport arena.In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Aseel Al-Hamad, who is not only a prominent racer but also the first female board member of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation, highlighted the gender disparity in motorsport as a significant international concern.
While there are notable female figures making their mark in the industry, such as Formula 1 driver Tatiana Calderón and team principals Susie Wolff and Claire Williams, Al-Hamad emphasized the importance of utilizing these women as role models to inspire the next generation of female racers.A passion for cars ignited Al-Hamad’s journey in motorsport, and she is an ardent fan of Formula 1. Her career reached a thrilling milestone when she was invited to drive an F1 car—an experience that left an indelible mark on her. However, it was the achievements of racing icon Michèle Mouton, who competed in an all-men rally championship in the 1980s, that truly inspired Al-Hamad to break barriers and pave the way for women in motorsport.Aseel Al-Hamad’s dedication to promoting women in motorsport goes beyond the racetrack. She serves as a representative on the International Automobile Federation (FIA)’s “Women in Motorsport Commission,” where she actively participates in creating programs and initiatives aimed at inspiring young girls to explore motorsport as a viable career option.For Al-Hamad, this role holds immense significance as it allows her to build a foundation that ensures young women won’t encounter the same challenges she faced in her career. Her goal is to make their journey smoother and more accessible, ultimately cultivating a new generation of female racers.When envisioning the possibility of a Saudi female world champion in major motorsports like Formula 1 and Formula E, Al-Hamad’s optimism shines through.
She attributes this optimism to the Saudi government’s strong support for sports and women’s participation, emphasizing that the Kingdom has made significant strides in a short time. The ongoing transformation in Saudi Arabia is creating opportunities for women to excel in various fields, including motorsport.Aseel Al-Hamad also underscores the vital role played by events like Formula E in boosting the popularity of motorsport in the Kingdom and the broader region. These events introduce motorsport to new audiences, potentially sparking the interest of young generations and converting them into motorsport enthusiasts.The FIA’s “Girls on Track” event, held alongside the Diriyah ePrix, is a testament to the commitment to encouraging young girls to explore motorsport. The event offers educational workshops that cover various aspects of the sport, from mechanical engineering to motorsport journalism. Additionally, participants have the opportunity to engage with racing simulators and experience driving on a karting track.To young women aspiring to break into the world of motorsport, Aseel Al-Hamad offers inspiring advice: “Take small steps and think of the journey over time.” She acknowledges that pursuing big dreams may seem daunting initially, but gradual progress and unwavering determination can lead to remarkable achievements.
As Saudi Arabia continues to embrace change and diversify its cultural landscape, Aseel Al-Hamad’s dedication to promoting women in motorsport serves as a shining example of the transformation underway. With each race and every initiative, she accelerates progress and ensures that the roar of female engines becomes an integral part of the motorsport symphony.In the world of motorsport, Aseel Al-Hamad is not just a racer; she is a trailblazer, a mentor, and an advocate for gender equality, showing the world that speed knows no gender and that the racetrack is a place where dreams can become a reality. Her journey is a testament to the power of determination, and her vision is steering motorsport towards a future where diversity and inclusion are the driving forces of change.
