Aseel Al Hamad

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ABBI PULLING & ASEEL AL HAMAD First Women to Drive F1 Car in Saudi Arabia

March 24, 2022

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  Aseel Al Hamad is a pioneering Saudi Arabian motorsport figure who made history as the first Saudi woman to drive a Formula One car, becoming an influential advocate for women in racing while serving as Saudi Arabia’s representative to the FIA Women in Motorsports Commission.

  EARLY YEARS

  Growing up in Saudi Arabia under strict driving restrictions for women, Aseel’s passion for automobiles emerged despite overwhelming cultural barriers. She graduated from Prince Sultan University in 2009 with a degree in interior design engineering, building the foundation for her future career that would blend creativity with technical expertise. Rather than accepting limitations, she taught herself to drive in Dubai, nurturing her automotive passion beyond Saudi borders while her home country still prohibited women from taking the wheel.

  EARLY SUCCESS

  Al Hamad’s early trajectory in motorsports wasn’t defined by traditional competitive victories but by groundbreaking firsts that challenged Saudi Arabia’s restrictive policies. She participated in amateur tournaments around 2000, gradually building her skills and reputation despite the significant obstacles. Before women could legally drive in the Kingdom, she became the first Saudi woman to import and own a Ferrari—a bold statement of passion and defiance that signaled her unwavering determination. Each boundary she pushed represented a victory not just for herself but for every woman in her country who dreamed of automotive freedom.

  NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

  • 2018: Made history with a victory lap at the French Grand Prix in Le Castellet’s Paul Ricard Circuit, marking the end of Saudi Arabia’s ban on women drivers[1].
  • 2018: Appointed as the first female board member of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation[2].
  • 2018: Named Saudi Arabia’s representative to the FIA Women in Motorsports Commission[3].
  • 2022: Became one of the first women to drive Formula One cars in Saudi Arabia alongside British racing driver Abbi Pulling, piloting Alpine F1 cars through the streets of Riyadh[4].
  • 2022: Co-founded STEER, a Saudi licensed travel company specializing in supercar tours promoting domestic tourism[5].

  REPUTATION

  Al Hamad has earned recognition as a revolutionary figure who embodies the changing landscape for women in Saudi Arabia. Her presence in motorsports represents more than athletic achievement—it symbolizes the dismantling of gender barriers in one of the world’s most traditionally restrictive societies. As Saudi Arabia continues its social transformation through Vision 2030, Aseel stands as a powerful example of female empowerment whose influence extends far beyond racing circuits. Her work with the FIA Women in Motorsports Commission has positioned her as a global advocate working to increase female participation across all levels of motorsport, from grassroots to professional competition.

  FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

  While specific racing plans aren’t detailed in available information, Aseel’s ongoing partnerships with brands like Renault and Alpine suggest continued involvement in high-profile motorsport events. Her long-term vision centers on further bridging the gender gap in motorsports, using her platform and influence to inspire a new generation of women to pursue careers in racing and automotive fields. Through her company STEER, she aims to expand automotive tourism experiences that showcase Saudi Arabia while creating more opportunities for women in the industry.

  References:

  Saudi Arabia’s First Female F1 Driver: Aseel Al Hamad’s Journey
  Breaking Barriers: Women in Motorsport
  FIA Women in Motorsports Commission Representatives
  Historic Moment: First Women to Drive F1 Cars in Saudi Arabia
  STEER: Revolutionizing Automotive Tourism in Saudi Arabia