Motorsport is Changing—20 Years of Progress & We’re Not Done Yet - Grandstand Motor Sports

Motorsport is Changing—20 Years of Progress & We’re Not Done Yet


Celebrating Women in Motorsport: 20 Years of Progress, Passion & Travel.

When I first entered the industry, the environment was challenging in more ways than one. The concept of motorsport travel itself was almost unheard of. In those early days, discussions around racing were dominated by male voices, and the idea that women could play a significant role—whether in the paddock, in the boardroom, or even as avid fans traveling to the track—was largely dismissed. It was a time of bold dreams and steep learning curves.

Back then, motorsport had a raw, unfiltered energy—fewer rules, fewer restrictions, and a real sense of unpredictability. Travel wasn’t easy, especially in an industry where women were rarely seen beyond the grandstands. Without the internet, information was harder to come by; race schedules were printed in pamphlets, and any last-minute changes were spread through radio updates or word of mouth. If you missed a transfer, there was no Uber to save the day—you either made it on time or found your own way to the circuit. At the track, there were no giant screens—just the roar of engines and the scramble to catch glimpses through binoculars. Even the paddock had a different culture. In Monaco, team members would head straight to the bars in their uniforms, blending into the nightlife after a long day. It was a time when motorsport was wilder, less polished, and far from inclusive—but change was coming!

Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the unique privilege of witnessing a significant transformation behind the scenes. The evolution has been remarkable. Today, you can find more women than ever before working in every facet of motorsport—from engineering and operations to sales, marketing, and travel. This shift hasn’t just been about filling quotas; it’s been about bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to an industry that thrives on passion and adrenaline. We’ve seen major milestones, from Susie Wolff becoming the first woman in 22 years to take part in an official F1 session, to the launch of the F1 Academy, giving young female drivers a dedicated platform to progress.

Part of our mission has always been to promote motorsport travel in a way that opens up the experience to a broader audience. It’s not just about selling tickets or planning trips—it’s about creating moments that make your heart race when those red lights go off, whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the sport. Over the years, we’ve seen how motorsport can unite people from diverse backgrounds, and how the thrill of the race can spark lifelong memories. And at the end of this year, we have the privilege of taking our first all-female group of fans to the Italian Grand Prix—50 incredible women from Girls Across the Grid, celebrating the growing presence of female fans at the track.

Behind every successful campaign, every race weekend, and every piece of content we’ve shared, there’s a story of determination and collaboration. Our team grew, and so did the industry, evolving into a billion-dollar sector that now embraces the contributions of women in ways that were once unimaginable.

As we celebrate 20 years of motorsport travel, International Women’s Day offers a moment to reflect,  it’s clear that progress has been made, yet one area remains ripe for change: the track! It’s high time we see more women behind the wheel, pushing limits and setting new records.

SITE LINKS

ABOUT US

Office hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-17:30

Grandstand Motor Sports is a trading name of Grandstand Motor Sport Ltd (registration no. 07005663) which is a member of ABTOT with membership number 5474 and also holds an Air Travel Organisers Licence (“ATOL”) number 10168 granted by the Civil Aviation Authority.

FOREIGN TRAVEL ADVICE

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

FLIGHTS

All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked(flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

Book with Confidence. We are a Member of ABTOT which means you have the benefit of ABTOT’s assistance and Code of Conduct. All the package and Flight-Plus holidays we sell are covered by a scheme protecting your money if the supplier fails. Other services such as hotels or flights on their own may not be protected and you should ask us what protection is available.

ATOL Protected
ABTOT Member 5474

All Formula One images are courtesy of James Moy Photography
All Bike images are courtesy of Gold and goose photography

Site design: Pixel Point Design.
Site development: Port 80 Services.

Privacy Preference Center