How Extreme E is continuing to pioneer a level playing field

This is none more evidenced than in its gender equal format, and International Women’s Day marks an opportunity for Extreme E to underline how it is continuing to champion the best female driver talent and a level playing field on track.

As well as removing barriers for female drivers competing at the highest level, Extreme E is continuing to erase existing preconceptions around gender divides in motorsport with all teams having to run a male and female driver in pursuit of victory in the series.

As Extreme E Founder and CEO Alejandro Agag explains: “Extreme E’s focus on gender equality remains a world-first in motor racing. We are ensuring with our Championship’s unique format that our male and female drivers are able to compete with the same tools at their disposal at every X Prix on the calendar. We saw so many incredible performances in Season 1 and already in Season 2, but there is still plenty of work we need to do to make motorsport more diverse.

"I am proud, though, that Extreme E is leading the way in this area. As a Championship we have been raising awareness of The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), better known as the Global Goals, with Goal 5 – gender equality – a key focus for the series. The only differentiation on the Extreme E grid should be raw talent and ability, not your gender, and we as a Championship will continue to strive for equality."

Given the Championship’s focus on a level playing field on track since its inception, Extreme E has seen a number of breakout stars behind the wheel following their exploits in the series.

Some of the Championship’s leading lights have offered their thoughts on Extreme E’s focus on gender equality.

Catie Munnings, Genesys Andretti United Extreme E, said: “I was really excited when I heard about Extreme E, I just knew I had to be part of it. I think the way that the male and female drivers are shown in the same light is important. To have the same credibility and to be held accountable in the same role as a male driver is great. It is a positive step for motorsport.”

Jutta Kleinschmidt, ABT CUPRA XE, said: “I wanted to be a part of this from the beginning. I loved it when I was first introduced to the series, especially that Extreme E would have male and female drivers competing against each other, and I was immediately excited about it. Extreme E undoubtedly provides the opportunity to showcase the best in female driver talent.

“It has been a great opportunity for women to team up with men and compete together. Extreme E combines future motorsport technology with gender equality. Nothing comparable exists in motorsport up to now.”

Molly Taylor, JBXE and winner of Extreme E Season 1 as part of Rosberg X Racing (RXR), added: “One of the great things about motorsport is that when you put the helmet on it doesn't matter what gender you are and that’s always been my philosophy. But what I have noticed through competing, is the number of young girls that when they see a female competing, they then want to be involved - so I think having that exposure at the highest level is really important to help improve the diversity and equality for the next generations coming up."

Chip Ganassi Racing’s Sara Price concludes: “When I put a helmet on you know I often get this question, ‘how is it being a female in a male dominated sport?’, and I say, ‘I'm not a female I'm not a male, I'm just a racer.’ What Extreme E is doing right now is pretty incredible. It is going to be able to provide girls who have incredible talent that's never been seen before a chance to showcase it - that itself is huge for women as well as for motorsport.”