FIA's New Esports Tournament: A Step for Women in Motorsport

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has announced the launch of the FIA Girls on Track Esports Cup—an innovative sim racing competition designed exclusively for women aged 16 and above. This move aims to break barriers in the traditionally male-dominated motorsport world by expanding opportunities for young women and girls.

The competition, organized in partnership with Advanced SimRacing and the popular platform iRacing, welcomes participants regardless of their motorsport backgrounds. All that’s required is passion and determination. For more details about the structure and inspiration behind this initiative, you can check out FIA launches female-focused esports tournament, which explores how the program could shape the future of women in e-racing.

Sophia Floersch’s Perspective on Female-Only Categories

While the FIA’s new initiative has received praise for promoting diversity, not everyone is convinced it's the answer. German racing driver Sophia Floersch—well-known for her career in both F3 and Indy NXT—has been openly critical of competitions that separate women and men. According to Floersch, racing is about skill, focus, and training, not gender. She has previously voiced her concerns regarding the W Series and now questions the effectiveness of female-only esports events. Floersch highlighted on social media, "The segregation continues. Why can't girls play video games against boys? Esports isn't boxing, swimming, or running. It's about brain performance, reaction, and concentration."

Her remarks underline the ongoing debate: Is creating exclusive spaces for women the best route to equality, or should the focus be on integrating women into existing competitions? For a detailed summary of Floersch’s viewpoint, visit the article 'The FIA creates a new competition' - News F1.

The Potential Impact of the Girls on Track Esports Cup

Regardless of criticism, the FIA sees plenty of opportunity in esports. According to Esports News UK, the top 10 performers in the online qualifiers will travel to Macau for the finals during the 2025 FIA Extraordinary General Assemblies Week. Participants will receive media training and networking opportunities—tools designed to help launch potential careers in motorsport.

This initiative reflects the FIA's broader push for gender equality and the organization's recognition of esports as a launchpad for emerging talent worldwide. It also builds on the foundation set by previous programs, such as the FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars.

Conclusion: Towards a More Inclusive Future

As the Girls on Track Esports Cup unfolds, the conversation sparked by Sophia Floersch remains crucial. While there’s clear momentum toward greater inclusion in motorsport, the debate on how best to achieve it continues. Should the spotlight be on exclusive events, or is true progress found in integration? One thing is certain: by voicing her views, Floersch keeps the conversation moving forward, ensuring the motorsport community remains reflective and open to change.