
Reem Al Aboud
Formula racing // Saudi Arabian
Being a part of this landmark moment is a dream come true. It’s not just about the speed; it’s about breaking barriers and showcasing the immense potential of women in motorsports.
Reem Al Aboud is a pioneering Saudi Arabian female racing driver who made history as the first Saudi woman to drive in Formula E, breaking barriers in motorsports and setting new benchmarks for women in racing.
EARLY YEARS
Reem’s journey into motorsports began when she accompanied her father to a Formula race in Abu Dhabi in 2011, where her interest in racing truly blossomed. Her father, who actively participated in races himself, played a pivotal role in nurturing her passion for motorsports, leading her to begin training in karting shortly after this formative experience.
EARLY SUCCESS
Al Aboud began her competitive racing career in 2018 with karting and quickly achieved notable milestones. That same year, she made her electric racing debut at the Ad Diriyah circuit in Riyadh, becoming the first Saudi woman to drive hot laps in a Formula E car. Her early career also saw her secure a top 10 ranking at the GCC Young Driver’s Academy and participate in the IAME X30 Kart challenge as the only female competitor from Saudi Arabia.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2018: Became the first and youngest Saudi woman to sample a Formula E race car by driving Nissan’s GEN2, the same year women were first granted the right to drive in the Kingdom[2][4].
- 2024: Set a new acceleration benchmark for an FIA single-seater by reaching 0-60mph in 2.49 seconds in an ABB FIA Formula E GENBETA car in March[2][4][5].
- 2024: Part of Saudi Arabia’s first ever Toyota Gazoo Racing team, achieving more than 18 podiums in the first season[1].
REPUTATION
Reem has established herself as a trailblazer in Saudi Arabian motorsports, particularly following the lifting of the driving ban on women in June 2018. Her remarkable achievement of setting a new acceleration benchmark in Formula E by achieving a 0-60mph time of 2.49 seconds—eclipsing the current Formula 1 benchmark of 2.6 seconds—has further cemented her reputation. She has become an inspiration to many young Saudi women aiming to enter motorsports, symbolizing the progress and opportunities available for women in Saudi Arabia’s sports landscape.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
Al Aboud aims to continue her role as a trailblazer for women in motorsports, with aspirations to inspire and empower young Saudi women to pursue careers in racing. Her involvement with Formula E and participation in programs promoting diversity suggest her future will likely focus on advancing her racing career while fostering inclusivity in the racing world.
References:
Jameel Motorsport – Reem Thamer Alaboud
TSN – Al Aboud sets a new acceleration benchmark in Formula E
Hankook Motorsport Media – Faster than Formula 1 New acceleration record with the Hankook iON Race
Nissan Saudi Arabia – Reem Al-Aboud, First Saudi Woman to Drive in Formula E
Motorsport Week – Pioneering female driver sets speed benchmark in Formula E car
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