Breaking Barriers: Amber Jones on Women in Motorsport and the journey to true equality

In a candid interview on the Sector 1 Motorsport x Formula Careers podcast, the rising motorsport presenter didn’t just discuss her career - she opened up about her personal journey and the fight to ensure that young girls see themselves in the racing world.

When asked how important it is to show young girls that they have a place in motorsport, Jones’ response was both deeply personal and reflective of the broader cultural shift the sport is currently experiencing.

“It’s so important, and I think it’s a very personal thing for me,” Jones began, referring to her own experiences karting whilst growing up. “When you ask me about who I was karting with, it really was a lot of boys… I would take the girls with me, but the girls just didn’t really like it as much.” 

For Jones, the lack of female presence in her karting days wasn’t necessarily a matter of disinterest, but more about societal norms at the time. She recalled how motorsport wasn’t “a thing” for girls, leading to assumptions that any girl involved was a “tomboy.”

She spoke with hope about the increasing visibility of women across various roles in motorsport - from racers to engineers to presenters - roles that young girls can now look up to. “Now I hope that there’ll be a lot of girls being like, ‘Oh, I watch this person, I look up to her as a racer, or engineer, or presenter.” That sense of representation, Jones believes, is crucial. “You really need that… because it’s not second nature if it’s not talked about.”

Jones’ passion for mentoring the next generation is evident. “I work with a lot of young girls in karting right now, and it’s just something that really warms my heart,” she said, describing her role in media training and encouraging these young women to dream big - whether their goal is Formula 1, Formula E or GT racing. Her message is clear: “You can get there, you do belong here.”

Despite the progress being made, there is still a significant cultural hurdle to overcome. Jones acknowledged the stubborn persistence of comments like “you’re good for a girl,” an outdated trope that undermines the efforts of female racers. “What do you mean, I’m good as a racer, let’s just keep it up there,” she said, emphasising the need to move past these gendered notions.

For young girls just starting out in the sport, these comments can be discouraging. Jones explained that many of the girls she works with can feel intimidated as the only female on the track. “They say that naturally boys are more aggressive - I don’t think it’s naturally, I just think it’s because there are more boys in the series.” She believes the lack of female confidence on track comes not from inherent differences, but from a lack of representation. “The girls can be just as aggressive, but we need to make sure there’s more of them so they feel comfortable.”

Jones remains optimistic and believes that the solution lies in education and understanding. She says that with more female exposure, the sport will continue to evolve, becoming more inclusive.

Amber Jones’ words are a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for equality in motorsport. As a role model for young girls, she not only inspires but actively works toward a future where gender is no longer a factor in determining who belongs on a racetrack.