The Women’s World Car of the Year has added Aseel Al-Hamad to its panel of judges. Al-Hamad is a prominent figure in Saudi Arabia's motorsports, representing the nation at the FIA Women in Motorsports Commission and serving on the board of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation. Her inclusion in this global panel is a significant milestone for the award, which uniquely celebrates women's contributions to the automotive industry and selects the year's top cars. Founded in 2019 by New Zealand motoring journalist Sandy Myhre, the award program is presently made up entirely of female motoring journalists and has 74 judges from 50 different countries.
Aseel Al-Hamad expressed pride in her new role, emphasizing the shared mission of empowering women in the automotive and motorsport industry. She's determined to address the historical male dominance in these fields.
Al-Hamad's reputation in the sector results from her efforts to lead and inspire the Saudi labour force and from her media advocacy for women's emancipation. She represents the principles of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to promote leadership and positive change.
Before Saudi Arabia allowed women to drive, Aseel Al-Hamad's love for motorsports ignited in Dubai in 2000. She quickly made a name for herself in amateur competitions. Additionally, she co-founded STEER, a Saudi travel company specializing in supercar automotive tours, aiming to highlight Saudi Arabia's stunning scenery and stimulate domestic tourism.
In 2012, Al-Hamad achieved the distinction of being the initial Saudi female Ferrari owner. In June 2018, she marked Saudi Arabia's historic lift on the female driving ban by joining Renault as a guest in an event at Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, France. Her remarkable talent and pioneering spirit led to her receiving membership in the International Automobile Federation.
Al-Hamad's role in the Women’s World Car of the Year jury mirrors evolving women's roles in Saudi Arabia, spurred by the Vision 2030 initiative, fostering opportunities across sectors, notably in sports and automotive events.
Saudi Arabia's investments in high-profile sporting events like Dakar Rally, Formula E, and Formula One, along with a state-of-the-art F1 track, have drawn international acclaim. Agreements for hosting MotoGP and the World Rally Championship, coupled with plans for Formula 4 academies and a 2026 Grand Prix circuit, indicate a thriving racing industry.
The Women's World Car of the Year competition seeks to honor exceptional vehicles while elevating the voices of women in the automotive sector. Judges evaluate vehicles based on criteria such as safety, quality, price, design, ease of driving, environmental impact, and other relevant factors, ensuring a fair and unbiased assessment.
