Female Drivers Close 70% Performance Gap in Extreme E Racing Over Four Years
The performance gap between male and female drivers in Extreme E has decreased by nearly 70% over four years, demonstrating significant progress in gender equality in motorsport.
Initially showing a 4.5-second difference in 2021, the gap narrowed to just 1.1 seconds by 2024, with consistent improvements each season. The series saw a 29.76% reduction from Season 1 to 2, followed by another 29.67% improvement from Season 2 to 3.
Four cars compete on dirt track
Extreme E's unique format requires each team to field both male and female drivers with equal seat time, making it the only premier motorsport series offering true gender parity. Notable achievements include Catie Munnings ranking third fastest overall in the 2024 Desert X-Prix, and a median time difference of just 0.61 seconds between genders in late 2024.
Molly Taylor, Season 1 champion, emphasizes how the series has transformed careers by breaking the traditional cycle where drivers need results to gain support but require support to achieve results. The series' success demonstrates that performance differences are more about opportunity and investment than ability.
Extreme E founder Alejandro Agag states that the format goes beyond racing to make a statement about equal opportunities in motorsport. Former F1 champion Jenson Button, who competed in the series' first event, affirms that the data proves talent isn't gender-specific but needs the right platform to flourish.
The series' commitment to gender equality will continue with the upcoming hydrogen-powered FIA Extreme H World Cup, maintaining the same mixed-gender team format and building on this proven success model.