In a significant stride towards greater inclusivity in competitive motorsport, Oracle Red Bull Sim Racing, in collaboration with the innovative tech company Rokt, has officially launched its second all-female sim racing squad. This groundbreaking team is set to challenge the circuits of the British F4 Esports Championship, marking another pivotal moment in the drive to diversify the virtual racing world.
The Genesis of a New Era: From “Rokt the Rig” to Championship Aspirations
For too long, the thrilling world of motorsport, both virtual and real, has been perceived as a male-dominated arena. Oracle Red Bull Sim Racing, however, is actively dismantling these perceptions. Following the success of their first all-female iRacing team launched earlier this year, this new F4 squad reiterates a profound commitment to fostering female talent at the highest levels of esports.
The partnership with Rokt is instrumental in this initiative. Through their “Rokt the Rig” program, two of the six selected drivers for the British F4 Esports Championship team were identified, highlighting a dedicated pipeline for emerging female sim racers. This isn`t just about fielding a team; it`s about systematically building opportunities and pathways that previously might have been scarce.
Forging Champions: The Bootcamp and Expert Mentorship
Before hitting the virtual asphalt, the chosen drivers embarked on an intensive, week-long bootcamp at the prestigious Red Bull Technology Campus in Milton Keynes. One might imagine the pressure, the anticipation, the sheer audacity of being trained in the very crucible where Formula One champions are forged. This immersive experience wasn`t just about tweaking setups; it encompassed rigorous coaching sessions, notably from none other than two-time Porsche Esports Supercup champion Sebastian Job. Such high-calibre mentorship underscores the seriousness of Oracle Red Bull`s investment in these athletes.
Julia George, Director of Partnerships at Red Bull Technology Group, eloquently captured the essence of the program: “The aim of the Rokt the Rig programme is to provide female esports talent with the opportunity to develop and hone their skills in a professional, competitive setting.” This isn`t merely participation; it`s professional development designed to elevate skills and build careers.
The British F4 Esports Championship: A Battleground of Talent
The stage for this exciting venture is the British F4 Esports Series, one of the UK’s premier sim racing championships, contested on the highly realistic iRacing platform. This championship is no walk in the park; it draws formidable competition from the sim racing divisions of other storied Formula One teams, including Ferrari, Williams, Alpine, and Aston Martin. It`s a genuine test of skill, strategy, and nerves.
With the 2025 season kicking off on September 24th, the stakes are tangible. A £5,000 prize pool awaits the top three teams, alongside a coveted day of single-seater simulator use courtesy of Base Performance Simulators. While the financial incentive is certainly appealing, the opportunity for real-world simulator experience is invaluable for any aspiring racer, blurring the lines between virtual and physical motorsport.
Beyond the Track: A Broader Vision for Esports
This initiative from Oracle Red Bull Sim Racing arrives amidst a backdrop of continued dominance in the esports sphere. Jarno Opmeer`s victory in the 2025 F1 Sim Racing World Championship earlier this year, making him the most-winning driver in the competition, serves as a testament to Red Bull`s unwavering pursuit of excellence.
The launch of this all-female team is more than just another victory; it`s a statement. It declares that talent knows no gender and that the future of esports is vibrant, diverse, and open to all who possess the drive and dedication to compete. By actively creating platforms for female talent, Oracle Red Bull Sim Racing and Rokt are not just participating in the evolution of esports; they are leading it, one virtual lap at a time. The road ahead for these six women will undoubtedly be challenging, but with the backing of such formidable partners, they are well-equipped to redefine what`s possible in the fast-paced world of sim racing.
