Deborah Mayer

WoMo racing // Paris, France

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From racer to visionary, Deborah Mayer founded Iron Dames to empower women in motorsports, later serving as FIA Women in Motorsport Commission President while expanding globally.

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nickname:

Deborah Renee

Birthday:

August 9, 1977 (48)

Birthplace:

Paris, France

racing type:

WoMo racing

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height:

168cm

residence:

Paris, France

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GRRL! Number:

GRRL-0535

I am deeply grateful, honoured and humbled to receive this prestigious ‘Spirit of Le Mans’ award. It’s a moving moment, and beyond my person, a significant moment for the place of women in motorsport. This recognition is the fruit of the passion, hard work and determination of our drivers, Rahel, Sarah and Michelle here today, and of all our teams, and I am infinitely grateful to them[3].

We must all continue to push for a future where every talent, regardless of gender, regardless of professional field, has the opportunity to realise their dreams. This is the purpose of the “Every Dream Matters” project. Every dream counts and everyone deserves the opportunity to make it come true[3].

Being an Iron Dame is an attitude that should inspire every generation and every professional field where women are present and can excel at the highest level. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, with no insurmountable barriers[3].

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FULL BIO: Deborah Mayer
Deborah Mayer is a trailblazing force in motorsports who has transformed from competitive racer to influential leader, founding the groundbreaking Iron Dames project which has become a catalyst for female empowerment in racing.

EARLY YEARS

Born in France on August 11, 1977, Mayer developed a passion for racing from a young age. Unlike many in the sport, her journey wasn’t solely focused on personal achievement—she was driven by a deeper mission to create new opportunities for women in motorsport’s traditionally male-dominated environment.

EARLY SUCCESS

Deborah’s racing career took shape around 2017 when she began competing in various GT series. She drove for prestigious teams including Kessel Racing and Iron Lynx, piloting Ferrari GT cars such as the Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 and Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo 2. Though her initial seasons saw her finishing mid-pack—placing 24th in 2017—these early competitions established her credibility as a dedicated racer on major circuits. Her racing experience formed the foundation for what would become her most significant contribution to motorsports: creating pathways for other women to succeed. By 2018, while still actively competing, Mayer channeled her passion into founding the Iron Dames project, demonstrating her ability to balance competitive racing with visionary leadership[1][2][3].

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2018: Founded the groundbreaking Iron Dames project to promote women in motorsports[2].
- 2022-2024: Served as President of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, advancing global initiatives for women in racing[4].
- 2020: Actively competed in GT racing series while simultaneously developing the Iron Dames platform[1].
- 2017-2020: Competed in prestigious GT3 series, including the Le Mans Cup with teams like Iron Lynx and Kessel Racing[3].
REPUTATION

Mayer has earned recognition not just as a competitor but as a transformative figure in motorsports. Her reputation centers on her dual identity as both racer and advocate, with particular acclaim for her entrepreneurial vision in creating the Iron Dames project. She’s respected for recognizing that women in motorsport needed more than just opportunities to drive—they needed a comprehensive support network and platform to thrive against traditional norms. Racing insiders admire her ability to balance competitive driving with organizational leadership, particularly during demanding schedules that included FIA World Endurance Championship events like the 1812 KM race in Qatar. Beyond the paddock, Deborah is known for her commitment to fostering female participation in all aspects of motorsport, from driving to engineering and marketing roles[2][5].

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

In 2025, Deborah continues expanding her vision by introducing the Iron Dames project to the equestrian world, broadening her impact beyond motorsport[1]. She’s also partnering with PREMA to launch an INDYCAR programme, marking a significant expansion into new racing territory[4]. Her long-term aspiration remains focused on inspiring future generations of women in motorsport, continuing to break barriers and challenge traditional gender norms in racing. Through ongoing partnerships with organizations like the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, Mayer aims to further develop an inclusive and supportive environment that transforms the landscape for women across all motorsport disciplines[5].

References:

Deborah Mayer Expands Iron Dames to Equestrian Sport (2025)
The Iron Dames Initiative: History and Impact
Women in GT Racing: Profiles of Leading Competitors
FIA Women in Motorsport Commission Leadership Changes
Breaking Barriers: Women Leaders in Global Motorsport