Monaco celebrated International Women’s Sports Day with a unique Motorsport Edition, marking a first for the Principality. Held on Friday, January 24 at the Prince’s Car Collection, the event aimed to inspire the next generation of female talent in motorsport.
Supported by Iron Dames and the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, the conference introduced young women aged 14-22 to career opportunities in motorsport. Monaco-based students from FANB, ISM, IUM, and ITM attended the event, where an impressive lineup of speakers shared their expertise and personal journeys.
Among the speakers were Delphine Biscaye, F1 Academy Competition Manager; Cathy Muller, Iron Dames Young Talents Manager; Sara Mariani, FIA Director of Sustainability, Diversity, and Inclusion; Laurie Clog, Formula E Partnerships and Business Development at Mahindra Racing; Liz Roberts, Founder of Sportsunite Monaco; and rising go-karting star Vicky Farfus. Marta Garcia, 2023 F1 Academy Champion and Iron Dames driver, also shared her experiences.
Motorsport legend Michèle Mouton, World Rally Vice-Champion, served as the event’s guest of honour, lending her inspiration to attendees.

The conference coincided with the launch of the not-for-profit book 100 Years of Women: Motorsport & Monaco, printed and published in Monaco by Carob Tree Publishing, the Principality’s first 100 percent female-owned publishing house. The meticulously researched, 240-page book chronicles a century of female achievements in motorsport, featuring 65 compelling stories of women who have competed in Monaco since 1925. With a special chapter on Monaco’s contributions to women in motorsport, the book celebrates the triumphs of women in a male-dominated industry.
Tiffaney Perlino, President of the Women in Motorsport Commission at the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM), emphasised the importance of inclusivity in motorsport, stating, “This event was a fantastic opportunity to inspire young women to engage with motorsport and to highlight the vital roles women play across the industry. We are committed to celebrating their contributions and encouraging their success.”
Students received a copy of the book, co-authored by Nancy Heslin and Lacey Da Costa. Following the student conference, a cocktail reception attended by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II marked the official launch of 100 Years of Women: Motorsport & Monaco. A portion of its 50 euro retail price will support programs fostering young female talent in motorsport.

Organised by Martine Ackermann (Child CARE Monaco), Valérie Closier (Director of the Prince’s Car Collection), Nancy Heslin (Co-founder of Carob Tree Publishing), and Tiffaney Perlino, the event was part of Monaco’s recognition as the 2025 World Capital of Sport.
For more information or to support the initiative, the book is available at Carob Tree Publishing.
All images copyright Ed Wright Images