Extreme E is revolutionizing motorsport with its groundbreaking mixed-gender racing format, breaking barriers not just on the track but beyond. In just four seasons, data shows that the performance gap between male and female drivers has decreased by nearly 70%, proving that fostering equitable competition environments can lead to real, measurable progress. Over these seasons, Extreme E has showcased an inspiring lineup of female drivers who are at the heart of this gender-equal revolution in motorsport. Standout competitors like Molly Taylor (E.ON Next Veloce Racing), Cristina Gutiérrez and Emma Gilmour (NEOM McLaren XE), Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky (RXR), and Catie Munnings (Andretti Altawkilat), to name just a few, have proven that with the right opportunities, talent knows no gender.
These pioneering women have been instrumental in closing the gender performance gap, continually improving and pushing the limits of what’s possible. Helena Hicks, Founder of Females in Motorsport, shared her excitement about the data: “We’ve followed Extreme E closely since its inception, and we’re thrilled to see how it has supported female drivers by promoting equal opportunities. The transparency in sharing the Gender Gap report is a huge step forward, and we’re excited to see how the series evolves in the years to come.”
The Numbers Behind the Progress
From Season 1 to Season 4, the gap between male and female drivers’ performance times has significantly narrowed, with female drivers consistently improving season after season. This data comes from the Continental Traction Challenge, where teams race to set the fastest time in a timed super sector of the course.
- Season 1: Female drivers were, on average, 4.5 seconds slower than their male counterparts.
- Season 4: The gap shrank to just 1.1 seconds—an impressive 68.64% reduction.
Looking at the seasons in detail:
- Season 2: Female drivers improved by 29.76% from Season 1. Molly Taylor, one of the most decorated drivers in Extreme E, achieved eight victories and the inaugural championship title, even with fewer races than her male counterparts.
- Season 3: Performance improved by 29.67%.
- Season 4: Female drivers closed the gap further by 36.5%, despite only completing four of the series’ ten rounds.
Molly Taylor reflected on the impact of the series, saying, “Extreme E has been a game-changer for my career. It has shown that with the right exposure, investment, and development, women can compete at the highest level. We’ve seen remarkable progress, but there’s still work to do. It’s inspiring to be part of a movement that is changing the landscape of motorsport.”
What’s Driving the Change?
Extreme E’s commitment to gender equality has been crucial to this progress. Every team is required to field both a male and a female driver, sharing the same vehicle and equally shouldering the responsibility for performance. This structure has fostered:
- Increased seat time: Female drivers gain the same competitive experience and visibility as their male teammates.
- Development opportunities: Teams invest in training and development for both drivers equally.
- Confidence and mentorship: Female drivers compete against some of the world’s best, learning from teammates like Carlos Sainz Sr, Sébastien Loeb, and Nasser Al-Attiyah.
- Data sharing: Both male and female drivers collaborate, analyzing data together to improve performance.
Additional Highlights:
- Catie Munnings finished as the third-fastest driver overall during the Saudi Arabian races in Season 4.
- In Scotland, the median time difference between male and female drivers was a mere 0.61 seconds, marking a historic achievement in the series.
What the Experts Are Saying
Jenson Button, Founder of the JBXE team, hailed the mixed-gender format as a game-changer: “Extreme E has proven how powerful equal opportunities can be. Female drivers have narrowed the gap and are performing on par with the best, showing that talent transcends gender.”
Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, Season 3 Champion with RXR, added: “Extreme E has created a platform where female drivers can thrive. The equal opportunities provided by the series have allowed me to make the biggest strides in my career. The data speaks for itself—this is just the beginning.”
Catie Munnings also highlighted the importance of opportunity and access to top-tier resources: “When Extreme E began, many of the female drivers had less experience than their male teammates. But this data proves that with equal opportunity and access to the best engineers and performance resources, women can compete at the highest level.”
Looking Ahead
As Extreme E transitions into its new phase, Extreme H, in 2025, the focus on sustainability and equality remains at the forefront. The progress achieved so far shows that when given equal opportunities, barriers break down, and excellence shines regardless of gender.
Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, summed it up perfectly: “Our format is more than just a race—it’s a statement. By leveling the playing field, Extreme E proves that performance gaps aren’t about ability; they’re about opportunity and investment. The future of motorsport is here, and it’s one where gender doesn’t define success.”
As Extreme E continues to make strides, one thing is clear: when you give women the same opportunities as men, the results are nothing short of extraordinary.