Breaking: F1 legend Sebastian Vettel announces return to Je…read more

Sebastian Vettel Announces Return to Jeddah for ‘Race For Women’ Project

Sebastian Vettel, the legendary Formula 1 driver, has revealed plans to return to Jeddah this weekend, coinciding with the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, for the continuation of his influential ‘Race For Women’ initiative. This exciting project, which aims to empower women in motorsport, first began in 2021 when Vettel organized a female-only karting event in Saudi Arabia, a week ahead of the country’s debut Formula 1 race. The event allowed women with varying levels of driving experience to participate alongside the four-time world champion, marking a significant milestone in the country’s motorsport history.

Now, Vettel is set to return to Jeddah in 2025, bringing with him a new wave of ambition for the project. The initiative, which has evolved over the years, aims to provide more opportunities for Saudi women to get behind the wheel, hone their skills, and ultimately race alongside Vettel himself. He is set to race with 20 talented female drivers from Saudi Arabia at The Track Jeddah, an advanced motorsport facility in the region.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Vettel reflected on the progress made since 2018, when women in Saudi Arabia were first allowed to obtain driving licenses. “Since 2018, women in Saudi Arabia have been allowed to obtain a driving license. We celebrated this positive change in 2021 with the first #RACE4WOMEN event on a kart track in Jeddah,” he wrote. Vettel highlighted the growth of the initiative, which has now expanded from its initial karting event into a full-fledged grassroots academy. This academy, now based at The Track Jeddah, is designed to help women pursue their passion for motorsport while developing their skills in a professional environment.

The success of the first event in 2021 was a pivotal moment for women in Saudi Arabia and served as a stepping stone towards broader inclusion in the sport. What began as an introductory karting experience for many women has, in some cases, ignited a lasting passion for racing. Vettel is eager to see this momentum continue, noting that while change doesn’t happen overnight, he is hopeful for the future of female drivers in the sport. “What was just a first taste of karting in 2021 has grown into a real passion for some of these women. This year, in 2025, I am returning to Jeddah to practice and race with 20 female racing drivers from Saudi Arabia at The Track Jeddah. Change doesn’t happen overnight – but I’d love to see more strong female drivers at the top of the sport!” Vettel shared.

Vettel’s commitment to this cause has had a profound impact on many women in Saudi Arabia. In interviews following the 2021 event, several participants expressed how the experience gave them the courage to pursue their dreams in motorsport and beyond. Speaking on BBC Sportsworld, Vettel recalled the joy and satisfaction he felt after witnessing the smiles of the women during the event. “Obviously, it was a great experience on the day. A lot of smiles. These girls and young women were very, very happy, and we, you know, share those memories,” he said.

Vettel also mentioned how the event had a lasting impact on the participants, with many of them reaching out to him after the event. He believes that the event not only boosted their confidence in motorsport but also empowered them to speak out on broader social issues. “I think it means I had a lot of messages after the event, but also the years after that, they felt a lot more courageous about speaking up on certain topics,” Vettel reflected. This emotional connection to the event further underscores the importance of the ‘Race For Women’ initiative in fostering empowerment and change within Saudi society.

Alongside Vettel’s return, Saudi Arabia will also host the all-female F1 Academy, a racing series dedicated to providing young female drivers with a platform to showcase their talent. The F1 Academy has become a crucial part of the broader push for diversity in motorsport, and its inclusion in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend serves as a powerful reminder of the growing opportunities for women in racing.

This year’s F1 Academy event will feature Riyadh-born Farah AlYousef, who made history by winning the 2022 Saudi Women’s Karting Championship. AlYousef’s participation in the F1 Academy is a significant moment for Saudi women in motorsport, as she represents the potential for more local talent to rise through the ranks of international racing.

The convergence of the ‘Race For Women’ project and the F1 Academy event in Saudi Arabia highlights the country’s ongoing commitment to changing the landscape of motorsport for women. With influential figures like Sebastian Vettel championing this cause, the future of women in motorsport in Saudi Arabia looks increasingly promising. Vettel’s return to Jeddah is not just a race event; it is a celebration of progress and a step towards greater inclusivity in the motorsport world. As the initiative continues to gain momentum, the hope is that it will inspire more women to break barriers and pursue their dreams of racing at the highest levels of the sport.

With each passing year, the ‘Race For Women’ initiative is proving that motorsport, like any other field, should be a place where talent and passion are the only criteria that matter, regardless of gender. As Vettel himself has emphasized, change may take time, but with continued efforts and support, the future of women in motorsport looks bright.