Monaco Women Network presents
"Redefining Motorsports"
with Formula E

📆 Wednesday, May 13 | 🕕 6-8pm | 📍 Société Nautique | 🎤 In English | 🥂 Networking Cocktail

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Monaco Women Network highlights the Women of Formula E ahead of the Monaco E-Prix

On Wednesday, May 13th, just days before the highly anticipated Monaco E-Prix, the Monaco Women Network brought together several leading female figures from the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship for an exclusive conference entitled “Redefining Motorsport: Sustainability, Innovation & Inclusion in Formula E.”

Held at the Société Nautique de Monaco, the event welcomed a distinguished audience composed of business leaders, institutional representatives, members of the Monaco Economic Board, students from the International University of Monaco, professionals from a variety of industries, as well as motorsport enthusiasts.

Moderated by Valentina Colman, Vice-President of the Monaco Women Network, and co-moderated by Anastasia Lutcenko of Ad Astra Journal, the discussion offered a privileged look behind the scenes of Formula E, exploring how the championship is redefining performance, responsibility, and leadership in motorsport today.

Formula E Monaco Women Network conference

Four exceptional speakers shared their perspectives on the current and future challenges of the industry: Julia Pallé, Vice President of Sustainability at Formula E; Ellie Norman, Chief Marketing Officer; Cara Pelchen, Vice President of Sporting; and Nerea Martí, racing driver and Andretti Team Ambassador.

Formula E: a new vision for motorsport

At the heart of the conversation was the topic of sustainability. Julia Pallé detailed Formula E’s concrete commitments to environmental responsibility, including its B Corp Certification and alignment with the British Standards Institution (BSI) Net Zero programme, positioning Formula E among the world’s most advanced sporting championships in this area.

Julia Pallé Formula E Monaco Women Network

Beyond environmental commitments, she also highlighted Formula E’s role as a true innovation laboratory, where technologies tested under racing conditions may soon become part of everyday electric vehicles, particularly in energy efficiency, fast charging systems, and regenerative braking.

Ellie Norman then explored how Formula E is reinventing the motorsport experience for a new generation of fans. Unlike traditional racing series often rooted in heritage, Formula E positions itself as a championship focused firmly on the future, deeply connected to digital culture and a younger, highly engaged global audience.

Today, Formula E reaches over 422 million fans worldwide and continues to see significant growth in audience engagement, particularly across platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and immersive digital experiences designed to bring fans closer to the sport.

Inclusion and Leadership: changing the rules of the industry

The discussion also placed strong emphasis on the role of women in motorsport.

Cara Pelchen explained how Formula E has embraced a more balanced leadership model, with close to gender parity across executive positions. According to her, this approach is not simply about inclusion, but a strategic advantage in building a sport capable of reflecting future generations and responding to the expectations of a global audience.

Through initiatives such as FIA Girls on Track and the return of all-female testing sessions in Season 12, Formula E continues to create meaningful opportunities for young women aspiring to careers in motorsport both on the track and within technical and leadership roles.

Ellie Norman Formula E Monaco Women Network

Cara Pelchen, Formula E Monaco Women Network

Nerea Martí Formula E Monaco Women Network

A driver's perspective on the future of motorsport

Nerea Martí brought a more personal dimension to the discussion. Reflecting on her journey, which began in karting at the age of nine before progressing through Formula 4, W Series, Formula 3, F1 Academy and Formula E, the young driver spoke candidly about the challenges women continue to face in such a competitive environment.

She highlighted the importance of sponsorship and financial support in building a professional racing career, while reinforcing a powerful belief: “Once you put your helmet on, only your skills matter.”

Nerea Martí also shared her optimistic vision for the future, imagining a more balanced Formula E grid in the years to come, with increasing female representation across the sport.

One of the evening’s most inspiring moments came through her interaction with Lina Salamanca, an 11-year-old karting driver in attendance who is just beginning her motorsport journey. Nerea took time to speak with her, offering encouragement and advice as Lina takes her first steps into the world of racing.

Nerea Martí and Lina Salamanca Monaco Women Network

A forward-looking conversation in Monaco

The evening concluded with an audience Q&A session followed by a networking cocktail at the Société Nautique de Monaco, giving attendees the opportunity to continue discussions in a privileged setting.

Just days before the Monaco E-Prix on May 16th and 17th, this special Monaco Women Network edition once again demonstrated its commitment to creating meaningful conversations around the major transformations shaping our future, here, at the intersection of sport, technology, sustainability, and leadership.

Through this exceptional conference, the Monaco Women Network highlighted not only the women helping shape the future of Formula E, but also the essential conversations redefining the future of motorsport itself.

Discover other events organized by the Monaco Women Network here.