The FIA creates an e-sport competition for girls, Sophia Flörsch rises to the occasion

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) announced on Thursday, April 24, the creation of an entirely new global e-sport competition to find the best female racing talents in the world.

Organized in partnership with the iRacing game and the FIA’s official provider for professional simulation racing setups, Advanced Simracing, the competition is open to women aged 16 and over, regardless of their motorsport background or geographic location.

The selection of the players will be done through an online qualification, and the top ten will be invited to compete in a final during the Week of the FIA Extraordinary General Assemblies in Macau. « The FIA is committed to doubling participation in motorsport and creating driving opportunities for women and girls. E-sports allow us to reach a wider and younger audience, particularly those whose talent is still untapped or who have limited access to traditional motorsport pathways », explains Burcu Çetinkaya, chair of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission.

If this news proves that the FIA and various global bodies are looking to attract women to a very male-dominated field, Sophia Flörsch did not see it that way. The German considered that creating a competition exclusively for girls was a bad thing.

« Segregation continues. Why can’t girls play video games against boys? A sad development. E-sports is not boxing, swimming, or running. I think it’s more about brain performance, reaction, and concentration. Training is probably the most decisive factor. Why does the FIA encourage this gender segregation? », she vented on social media.

The former F3 and Indy NXT driver has never been a big fan of 100% female categories. On several occasions, she criticized the W Series, the predecessor to the F1 Academy, and fights for women and men to compete in the same championship.