SPEED Queens

Racing veteran Susie Wolff talks about closing the gender gap in motorsports with an all-girls racing championship.

- JASMINE ALIMIN

Buckle up and get ready for some high-octane action with the return of the Singapore Grand Prix 2024 from 20 to 22 September. This year's night race is about to get even more exciting with the debut of the F1 Academy, an all-female racing series poised to shake up the motorsport world.

Launched in 2023, the F1 Academy is Formula 1's bold step toward levelling the playing field in motorsport. With a presence at tentpole races this past year, this series isn't just about racing-it's about making a statement.

"We have big ambitions for the F1 Academy-we don't want to be a moment; we want to be a movement," says Susie Wolff, managing director of F1 Academy. "We have an incredible opportunity to transform this sport and create opportunities for women that didn't exist before. We want to be the rocket fuel that drives female participation in our sport, both on and off the track. We're on a mission to show young girls and women that there is a place for them in our sport."

As the glamorous event unfolds against the backdrop of Singapore's skyline, 15 fearless women will take to Marina Bay Circuit for the first time, bringing fresh energy and undeniable talent to the heart of the sport. Key drivers in the line-up include Chloe Chambers, 20, from the US, supported by Haas; Filipina Bianca Bustamante, 19, supported by McLaren; and Lia Block from America, 18, supported by team Williams.

One of the highlights of the race is the "Hot Lips" car sponsored by make-up brand Charlotte Tilbury, driven by French national Lola Lovinfosse, 19, for team Rodin Motorsport. "Charlotte is a trailblazer in her industry, and it is a great privilege to have such a world-renowned, female-led brand as a partner. Our partnership champions strength, empowerment and confidence. Not only is it allowing us to reach new audiences, but it's also helping us change perceptions about who motorsport is for," Wolff enthuses.