According to a December 2022 report by Reuters, Formula One’s female fanbase is growing, with 40 percent of fans being women in 2022. However, neither the racetrack nor the podium reflect this. A cursory glance at F1 lineups past and present show mostly men. In its 74-year history, only two women, Maria Teresa de Filipidis (who was also the first woman to enter) and Lella Lombardi, qualified for a Grand Prix.
This is where F1 Academy comes in, as an initiative aiming to improve female representation in motorsport by way of dedicated championships on the same tracks as Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA)’s upper echelons. Although it isn’t the first initiative of its kind—the short-lived W Series predates it—F1 Academy aims to alleviate the gender imbalance in the industry by creating a space for aspiring female drivers aged between 16 and 25 to cut their racing teeth.
Since F1 Academy’s inception in 2022, drivers under its tutelage have raced on various tracks around the world, such as Miami and Zandvoort. This season, they’re gearing up to include the Singapore Grand Prix in their racing repertoire. One of the drivers for the 2024 season set to grace the Marina Bay street circuit in September is Chloe Chambers. Aside from winning this year’s Barcelona race, she’s also a Guinness World Record holder for fastest vehicle slalom. Ahead of the Grand Prix, the 20-year-old driver from the United States opens up to Vogue Singapore about the spark that ignited her passion for racing and her preparations for the race.
What got you into racing?
I got into racing thanks to my dad. He grew up an avid F1 and motorsport fan, so naturally, I did too. Despite never racing himself, my dad always enjoyed doing autocross days and working on his car. One day, I asked if I could drive. I started karting at 8 years old and the rest is history.
Who is a racer that inspires you?
As a kid, I immediately Lewis Hamilton as my favourite driver. Now, I also really admire Fernando Alonso. Being signed with A14 Management has brought me closer than ever to him and I’ve really admired all he’s had to say in our conversations.
What inspired you to join F1 Academy?
I had previously done W Series in 2022, so I was involved with the female series for a couple years now. After seeing all that F1 Academy was able to achieve in its first year under Susie Wolff, I decided that this year would be the perfect time for me to join.
How does F1 Academy support women in motorsport both through and beyond races?
Of course, F1 Academy has given many of us the opportunity to race on a global stage that otherwise might not have been possible. The racing is competitive, the fans are amazing, and the teams are so supportive. We had a workshop earlier in the year as well which gave us more insight into the off-track environment.
Give a brief rundown on how you’re preparing for the Singapore Grand Prix.
A lot of simulator, basically. I drove the track in 2022, but haven’t driven the modified layout. With such a technical track, simulator work is vital.
What’s your fondest or craziest racing memory thus far?
My favourite memories are my win in Barcelona with my family there to see it, and my podium in Miami at my home race from seventh on the grid!
What’s some advice you can give to your fellow F1 Academy racers, or aspiring female racers?
I’d say to give one hundred percent effort into anything you have a passion for. Build the right team around you, put a lot of focus into the off-track element and have fun. It is a lot of work, but hard work really does pay off.
What do you like to do outside of races?
I enjoy swimming, cycling and hanging out with friends and family.
How do you think the racing world and its fans can help improve female representation in motorsport?
I think we are already on the right track. There are so many fans that show up to the races for F1 Academy, the support from the teams has been incredible, and we can already see the change in female participation at the karting levels. The future is bright.
