The 2022 season Azerbaijan Grand Prix not only saw Max Verstappen win and both Ferraris retire, it also witnessed a special occasion in the development of the FIA’s initiatives for inclusion within motor sport.
During the appointment on the Baku street circuit, the 16.2 stewards position was completely operated by women, the first time this has happened in the 2022 Formula 1 season.
The FIA Volunteers Officials Instagram account showed photos of the 12 stewards who were also dressed in pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month.
The presence of women in the commissaire positions in the circuits is acquiring greater relevance among the volunteers who attend by their own means to help with track safety. Their tasks range from pointing out dangers on the circuits to the drivers through the flag system, through intervention officers to assist directly in an incident and scrutiny, to occupying managerial positions in race control.
In recent years and since the presidency of the Frenchman Jean Todt , the FIA has promoted various initiatives through the Commission for Women in Motor Sport that are not only on the path of encouraging more women to compete in various categories at the world. They also try to show paths related to the specialty.
The Women’s Commission has a mission to “promote the place of women in motorsports through the media, international events, partners and stakeholders”, through social and educational programs to encourage their participation.
One of the most prominent is the Girls on Track program, which invites young women to get to know various motor sport events such as Formula E and delve into other activities beyond being pilots.
Pilots have also become more active with these initiatives. For example, in 2021, Sebastian Vettel organized a karting race in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of sharing his life experiences and encouraging them to fulfill their dreams.
Along with him, Lewis Hamilton has been another of the drivers who has sought to promote diversity, including women, especially with their introduction in greater numbers to the exact sciences to see them occupy engineering roles within the world of motor sport.
