FIA marks International Women's Sports Day at influential Monaco event celebrating women in motorsport

25.01.25

To mark International Women’s Sports Day, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) was part of an incredible line up celebrating women in motorsport.

Burcu Çetinkaya, FIA Women in Motorsport Commission chair and champion Rally driver welcomed attendees to the event which took place at HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco’s Car Collection, just steps aware from the iconic Monaco Grand Prix circuit.

The event, attended by motor-sporting greats including Guest of Honour, World Rally Champion Michèle Mouton, also played host to 120 female students aged 14-22 who listened to an inspiring panel of speakers discussing avenues for women into motorsport, their own journeys, and their advice to the next generation.

Launched at the event, the not-for-profit book 100 Years of Women: Motorsport & Monaco written by Nancy Helsin and Lacey Da Costa, will see a portion of its sales donated to support the next generation of female talent in the sport.

Burcu Çetinkaya, FIA WIM Commission chair, said: “In the last 100 years, we have seen innovation and progress within the world of motorsport, and notably the increasing presence of women in this space. There is however still much we can do, and the FIA remains dedicated to increasing accessibility and diversifying our sport.

“I am proud to be a woman in this sport and it is inspiring to see the talent and determination of the next generation.”

Sara Mariani, FIA Director of Sustainability, Diversity & Inclusion, and event panelist said: “Across our industry we have a duty to help and encourage more women to think about careers in the world of motorsport. At the FIA we are constantly working towards ways we can increase accessibility and diversity, and champion the work and successes of women in this area.

“Together we can make a real difference in the future of our sport and ensure equal opportunity for equal talent.”

The FIA is committed to ensuring accessible pathways into motorsport, working towards and championing a diverse environment that provides support and tools for success. 2024 saw the FIA’s most diverse competition to date with over 100 women competing at the FIA Motorsport Games across 26 categories, setting a bar for future championships.

Launched last year, and with a second phase launching in 2025, the FIA Women in Motorsport Mentorship programme provides tailored support to women seeking or building careers. Mentees are partnered with established professionals with the aim to promote gender parity and facilitate growth and knowledge sharing.