Challenging the stereotypes associated with elite motorsports, the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2019 will give women coveted trackside access to the sport that brings the world to Melbourne.
In collaboration with female motorsport advocates Dare to Be Different and Madam Wheels, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) has created the Women Driving Leadership keynote speaker program.
To be held on opening day on 14 March, the breakfast or full-day program at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit will bring together Australian women pioneering change in the motorsport world.
Participants will hear the global perspectives of Formula 1’s Global Director of Marketing and Communication, Ellie Norman, and Global Director of Promoters and Business Relations, Chloe Targett-Adams.
Sharing their experiences within the Australian motorsport industry are Jacquie Hayes, Founder and Director of Madam Wheels; Jessica Dane, Commercial Operations Officer and Team Co-Owner of Triple Eight Race Engineering; and self-confessed “petrolette” and Channel Ten Motorsport presenter Kate Peck.
“Many women have strong misconceptions around Formula 1, believing it couldn’t be enjoyable because it’s only about loud cars. It can be quite the opposite, actually, and we want them to experience that,” Jacquie explains.
“The sport has a male-centric history but the global Formula 1 machine is working hard to make it more inclusive for women. Madam Wheels has worked closely with the AGPC to ensure women have the opportunity to be front and centre with the action, but in a stylish way.”
Traditionally a male-dominated sport, Formula 1’s popularity has reached new heights since implementing strategies to attract more women as spectators and participators.
Not only this, but AGPC has also placed greater emphasis on upskilling and promoting women into senior leadership roles within the business.
“The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix strategy for some time now has been about engaging a broader audience to the sport, particularly females,” explains Corina Black, AGPC General Manager of Commercial, Sales and Marketing.
“Events like Women Driving Leadership provide a unique way for women and men to engage with the sport and the opportunity to network with driven business masterminds, all in a premium and intimate setting.”
Corina believes the program is a terrific platform to encourage and inspire women to pursue a career in motorsport, as well as science, technology, engineering and mathematics. After all, Formula One racing is centred on world-leading innovation, design and engineering.
For more information, or to register for the Women Driving Leadership event, click here.
Looking for more trackside news? We go behind the wheel of Maserati’s Ultimate Drive Day Experience at Sydney Motorsport Park.
