Carmen Jorda Returns to F1 as Alpine's Head of F1 Academy
Carmen Jorda, a former Lotus F1 development driver, is returning to the Enstone team as Alpine's head of F1 Academy. This role, part of a renewed partnership with Qatar Airways, will see her lead mentorship initiatives and support Alpine’s 2026 F1 Academy entry. Her appointment is notable given past controversies surrounding her on-track performance and prior comments about women in motorsport, sparking renewed debate on merit and marketing in driver development.
Former Lotus F1 development driver Carmen Jorda is making a surprising return to the Enstone team, taking on the role of Alpine’s head of F1 Academy. This move is part of Alpine's renewed commercial partnership with Qatar Airways, with Jorda tasked to "lead female driver mentorship initiatives" and support Alpine’s F1 Academy entry in 2026.
Why it matters:
Jorda’s appointment marks a significant, albeit controversial, return to the Formula 1 paddock. Her past tenure as a development driver was met with criticism regarding her on-track performance and perceived opportunities. This new role, focusing on mentorship and development within the F1 Academy, puts a spotlight on Alpine’s commitment to fostering female talent in motorsport, while also reopening old debates about meritocracy and marketing in driver selection.
The Details:
- Return to Enstone: Jorda previously joined the Lotus F1 team in early 2015 as a development driver, following three seasons in GP3 where she did not score points.
- Previous Controversy: Her initial appointment was controversial due to a perceived lack of success in junior categories. Michele Mouton, head of the FIA’s Women in Motorsport Commission, and former Lotus protégé Marco Sorensen both publicly questioned her merits, with Sorensen claiming she was significantly slower in the simulator.
- Jorda refuted Sorensen's claims, stating she was "more or less within a second" of then-race driver Romain Grosjean.
- Prior Stance on Female Drivers: Jorda notably made controversial remarks in 2018, suggesting women should aim for Formula E rather than F1 due to the latter being a "less physical car," and that women couldn't compete equally with men.
- New Responsibilities: In her new role, Jorda will handle commercial responsibilities with Qatar Airways and assist Alpine's chosen F1 Academy driver for 2026. Her duties include engaging in fan experiences and community outreach programs highlighting the airline’s commitment to empowerment.
The Big Picture:
This appointment comes as F1 teams increasingly invest in dedicated programs for the F1 Academy, with other teams like Williams (Jamie Chadwick), Aston Martin (Jessica Hawkins), and even former Alpine driver Alice Powell (who supported Abbi Pulling) employing current or former female drivers to mentor their F1 Academy participants. Alpine's decision to place Jorda in this key leadership role indicates a strategic commitment to the F1 Academy, but also invites scrutiny given her past.
What's next:
Jorda, expressing honor in leading Alpine’s mentorship, will begin her new role as Alpine aims to make a strong showing in the F1 Academy. Her success in guiding the next generation of female drivers will be closely watched, particularly in light of her previous comments and performance history. The effectiveness of her mentorship and Alpine's overall F1 Academy program will be a significant talking point as the 2026 season approaches.