Deborah Mayer, the founder of the Iron Dames programme, has put out a statement this afternoon, explaining that it will evolve “from an elite sport team into a global movement” in 2026.
This year has seen the Swiss-based all-female initiative, which has had a presence in high level sportscar racing since it was founded in 2018, scale back its involvement in motorsport.
It no longer competes as a standalone in the FIA WEC, ELMS, Le Mans Cup or IMSA. Instead, its focus this year is centred on supporting individuals in their journey to the top of endurance racing, single-seaters, rallying and karting as it plans for what’s next.
“I founded Iron Dames on one simple conviction: excellence has no gender and performance always speaks the truth. Sport was our starting point,” Mayer says. “A demanding world where the standards are uncompromising and results beyond doubt. In racing, only the clock speaks. In equestrian sport, the same rule applies, only precision, only mastery.
“In these arenas, long perceived as male strongholds, we proved that we belong. We built meaningful stories. We shared the raw weight of doubt and the sharp glory of victory. We did more than write history; we began shifting perceptions. And while our engines will not slow down, I have witnessed something even more powerful along the way.
“Iron Dames has become a mindset. A way of standing in the world, of carrying oneself. A belief that ambition can be bold, that strength is elegant, that discipline is freedom, that every dream matters. And that belief travels further than I ever expected.
“It has entered schools, homes, and workplaces, challenging society to recognise potential before it sees gender. When a young girl tells me, “I feel like an Iron Dame,” I feel immense pride, and an even greater sense of responsibility. A responsibility to keep the flame alive, to open new doors, to widen the path, to build something that lasts.”
“Sport is our foundation, our heartbeat. It always will be. But foundations are built to carry more. Today, Iron Dames is ready to embrace its full dimension. More than a team. A movement. Rooted in performance. Driven by purpose. Alive in society.
“This is our next step. And we are only getting started.”
What does this drive to become a ‘movement’ mean in reality? According to a spokesperson there are more announcements to come which will add more detail and depth to its plans.
“The idea is to build on previous collaborations such as those with NASA or Oxford University, while expanding into new areas beyond sport,” they explained to DSC.
There’s also the potential, it seems, to see Iron Dames return to racing as a team as soon as 2027. Let’s see!
Featured image courtesy of Iron Dames
