Qatar Airways, the Official Airline Partner of Formula 1, has announced its renewed its partnership with the BWT Alpine Formula One Team, placing Carmen Jorda at the heart of its mission to accelerate female participation in motorsport. Jorda, now Head of the Alpine F1 Academy and ambassador for Qatar Airways, will spearhead initiatives aimed at opening more pathways for women in racing while building powerful bridges between aviation and Formula 1.
As a former development driver for Lotus and Renault and only the 11th woman to be part of a Formula 1® team’s driver line-up, Jorda has long been a visible and vocal figure for women in motorsport. With experience across GP3, Indy Lights and the Le Mans Series, her new role signals a strengthened commitment to mentoring the next generation through the F1 Academy.
In her dual position, Jorda will represent Qatar Airways at global races and lead talent development within Alpine’s F1 Academy programme. Her work will include mentorship pathways, community engagement, and media-led initiatives designed to spotlight the airline’s dedication to expanding opportunity for women in male-dominated arenas.
The renewed Qatar Airways x Alpine partnership builds on a collaboration first launched in 2023, with co-branded activations and on-site experiences set to roll out across Grand Prix destinations around the world.
Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Sponsorship, Events & Exhibitions, Luke Drake, said: “We are proud to continue our partnership with the BWT Alpine Formula One Team and support Carmen Jorda’s appointment, which represents the very best of both aviation and motorsport, where skill and innovation unite to push boundaries. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to empowering women and inspiring future generations to pursue excellence in every field.”
BWT Alpine Formula One Team Global Marketing Director, Guy Martin, said: “We are proud to announce the renewal of our multi-year partnership with Qatar Airways on the eve of the Qatar Grand Prix. Working with such a distinguished global carrier, whose dedication to excellence and diversity aligns closely with our own values, is a real honour. The inclusion of our F1 Academy entry and welcoming Carmen onboard reflects our shared dedication to empowerment.”
Head of Alpine F1 Academy, Carmen Jorda, said: “I’m honoured to lead female-driver mentorship initiatives within the F1 Academy together with Alpine. I look forward to working with Qatar Airways and taking part in events close to global racing audiences and travellers, as well as community outreach programmes that highlight the airline’s commitment to empowerment and excellence.”
To mark the partnership, Jorda met with one of Qatar Airways’ trailblazing female pilots, Senior First Officer Shaikah Al Moudadi. The two exchanged insights across their fields during visits to the Qatar Airways Flight Deck Training Academy Simulators in Doha and Alpine’s F1 Garage, underscoring the shared precision, performance and relentless drive that define both aviation and motorsport.
Qatar Airways continues to expand its global sports portfolio, which spans football, tennis, motorsport, rugby, triathlon and more, reflecting the airline’s commitment to connecting fans, athletes and cultures around the world.
