Before kicking off the second round of the year in Saudi Arabia, Alpine made history alongside Aseel Al Hamad and Alpine Academy affiliated rider Abbi Pulling. This female duo has marked a before and after by becoming the first women to drive an F1 single-seater in Saudi Arabia.
Aseel and Abbi took turns at the controls of the E20 and drove through some of the most important destinations in Saudi Arabia. Together, the two drivers demonstrated that women are creating opportunities in motorsports and paving the way for a promising future for generations to come.
Aseel, who represents Saudi Arabia on the FIA Women in Motorsports Commission, is responsible for developing strategies and policies to promote the education and training of women in motorsports in the country. He also belongs to the Alpine family, having made history with the team in 2018 when he drove the same E20 at the French Paul Ricard circuit.
Abbi Pulling, meanwhile, joined Aseel as part of the Alpine Affiliate programme, which aims to guide young talent to F1. The 19-year-old first tried a single-seater just one day before her birthday.
“It was very nice to drive the Alpine once again, and even more special to do it in my country and hometown Riyadh. I hope this inspires more generations to fall in love with Formula 1 and more women to consider motorsport as a career. future professional career,” Aseel Al-Hamad introduced.
“I was super happy to meet Abbi [Pulling], a lovely girl with a lot of ambition and an incredible passion for racing. She shows that girls can become professional racing drivers. So it’s important that we show examples to show the younger generation that they may be in the future.
“It doesn’t matter your gender, you just need to show your talent,” Aseel said.
For her part, Abbi Pulling got her first F1 experience last weekend, although the youngster was confirmed for her first full season in the W Series women’s single-seater championship this year. “It was everything I expected, and more,” she described excitedly.
“I started racing when I was just eight years old, always with the goal of making it to Formula 1, and I’m so glad I got a little closer. It’s very important for the industry to encourage and support young female talents to achieve their goals. ambitions,” he added.
Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi confirmed that having two women drive an F1 car in Saudi Arabia “shows that anyone can follow their dreams in motorsport”.
“Aseel shows that women of all backgrounds are welcome, while Abbi shows that motorsport is a true career path for women. We hope this action inspires girls of the younger generation that anything is possible.”
“As the father of two daughters, it is my pleasure to join Alpine in this historic initiative and inspire women from all walks of life to follow their dreams wherever they may take them. And more importantly, support them in making them come true.” their dreams,” concluded Fahd Hamidaddin, executive director of the Saudi Arabian Tourism Authority.
