The significance of allowing women in Saudi Arabia to drive cannot be underestimated

In 2017 Aseel was appointed as a board member of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation (SAMF) as the first women board member. Aseel is currently FiA's Saudi Arabia Representative of Women Motorsport. In the wake of Saudi Arabia's lifting of a ban on women driving on 2018, Aseel drove a celebratory lap in a F1 car prior to the opening of the 2018 French Grand Prix.

As Chief Executive Officer Aseel has overall responsibility for the institutional relations of the Dragon Girls, including strategic direction, marketing and commercial development. In her role Aseel has direction and involvement in the motorsport team, as well as developing synergies at a regionally and internationally level.

Aseel Al-Hamad

The significance of allowing women in Saudi Arabia to drive cannot be underestimated. The lifting of the ban, on June 24, 2018, was not only a celebration for the automotive industry, but also a significant step forward in Saudi Arabia’s acceptance of women’s role in society, legitimising our aspirations, hopes, and dreams and allowing us to articulate and carve out identities for ourselves separate from our families and husbands.

While society considers motorsports to be a male arena, it is important that we remember that there are no actual rules forbidding women to compete on the track. We want to show that with spirit, determination, and by dreaming big, we can redefine what is considered ‘normal,’ and encourage more women to step forward into roles in the world of motorsports.

We work tirelessly to inspire our fellow women to express themselves clearly and take ownership of their limitless and true potential. We must believe in ourselves and never lose hope. No matter what challenges a woman faces, if she can meet them head on and gain strength from every aspect, she will grow. By never giving up and remaining faithful to both the values of our nation and our personal ambitions, we can show women that anything is possible with hard work and ambition. I encourage women to do what they love, to follow their dreams, and to really push themselves to become the truest articulation of their personality. We gain nothing by acting small. Life is like a race. We must always look to achieve our goals and, ultimately, become a champion.

Dragon Girls Racing Team CEO

One of Aseel's role is to champion the voice of female drivers in the kingdom.

Aseel Al-Hamad, Dragon Girls Racing Team CEO on the future of women drivers in the region.