Women’s Involvement in Motorsport Gains Momentum

Following the Australian Grand Prix, there is a growing number of women poised to excel in the motorsport industry, thanks to a substantial $240,000 investment from the Federal Government.

The Girls on Track initiative by Motorsport Australia offers mentoring, networking, and practical experiences for young women and girls aged between 8 to 22, eager to enter the motorsport field.

Minister for Sport, Anika Wells, engaged with program participants at the Albert Park Street Circuit, observing their work experience across various roles, including technical, corporate, communications, and commercial sectors, and witnessing first-hand the positive influence of the initiative.

“The Albanese Government is enthusiastic about backing programmes that pave the way for more young women to develop careers in motorsport,” stated Minister Wells.

“It has been wonderful to meet individuals reaping the benefits of hands-on experience and gaining valuable exposure to the motorsport arena – profoundly impacting their career prospects.

“I look forward to seeing more women on the tarmac, in the driver’s seat, and working behind the scenes at Formula 1 and other thrilling motorsport events.”

Throughout the Grand Prix week, 22 participants were involved in various roles within team operations, including high-performance engineering and race preparation, alongside experience in event management, communications, and stakeholder interactions.

In 2025, over 1,000 young women took part in the Girls on Track programme nationwide, enhancing industry pathways and career opportunities.

Josh Blanksby, CEO of Motorsport Australia, highlighted that the programme is essential for fostering development opportunities for women in motorsport.

“The Girls on Track programme serves as a foundation for Motorsport Australia’s participation pathways, allowing young women to explore careers in motorsport with a strong focus on STEM-related fields,” Blanksby explained.

“The Australian Government’s support has been crucial in broadening the programme’s national scope. This ongoing investment enables us to convert passion and potential into real career opportunities for young women throughout Australia.”

A network of advocates from the industry, including team owners, engineers, physiotherapists, and officials— all women with specialised expertise— also contribute to these unique opportunities.

Supercars passionately supports the Girls on Track programme, with various teams and the Supercars management consistently providing unique opportunities for participants to engage in significant event roles.

Supercars Chief Executive James Warburton regarded the Girls on Track participants as invaluable team members during each season’s events.

“Initiatives such as Girls on Track create pathways for young women who will become the next generation of talent in motorsport,” Warburton remarked.

“Their enthusiasm and abilities highlight the significance of this programme and the impact of fostering greater female involvement across all facets of motorsport.”

The funding for Girls on Track is facilitated through the Australian Sports Commission’s Play Well programme, which aims to cultivate inclusive sporting environments that welcome individuals of all ages, backgrounds, genders, and abilities to experience the benefits of sport.

An additional $12,000 in Play Well funding supports Motorsport Australia’s Women’s Introduction to Motorsport initiative, allowing women to enjoy the sport for the first time from the comfort of their own vehicles.