Formula E’s Evo Sessions at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium in early March showcased an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience of the GEN 3 Evo, one of the most technologically advanced electric racing cars in the world.

The exclusive event gave 11 influencers and industry personalities—from content creators to entrepreneurs—the rare opportunity to get behind the wheel of the GEN 3 Evo, the fastest, lightest, and most powerful Formula E car to date.

Among the participants were influential women in the automotive and tech world, including actress and record-breaking car builder Emelia Hartford, known for her custom-built Corvette C8 and her world record-setting Nissan Z, tech journalist Cleo Abram, recognized for breaking down complex technological advancements, and Supercar Blondie’s Alex Hirschi, a leading automotive influencer who showcases luxury cars and cutting-edge tech to millions across social media.

Through an immersive training program that covered physical conditioning, engineering briefings, and professional driving coaching, the Evo Sessions showcased what it truly takes to compete at the pinnacle of electric motorsport. This firsthand experience brought Formula E’s cutting-edge technology and strategic depth into sharp focus, demonstrating why the series is one of the most exciting racing championships in the world.

Ellie Norman: Vision Behind Evo Sessions

At the heart of the Evo Sessions was Formula E’s mission to reach a wider audience and change perceptions of electric racing, along with the opportunity to highlight the evolving role of women in motorsport and automotive technology. Emelia Hartford, Cleo Abram, and Alex Hirschi were key figures in this mission, offering their unique perspectives and expertise while bringing attention to the significant impact women are having in the industry.

Ellie Norman, Formula E’s Chief Marketing Officer, shared the driving force behind the Evo Sessions: “Formula E is a phenomenal sport with world-class racing, intense competition, and incredible technology, but not enough people truly understand what makes it so special.” To bridge this gap, the Evo Sessions invited these women and other influential figures to experience the sport firsthand and authentically share it with their audiences.

Norman’s team crafted an experience designed to deeply connect with new fans. “We wanted to create something more than just another marketing campaign—it had to be real, raw, and engaging. Bringing in personalities who genuinely love technology, speed, and innovation allowed us to tell the story of Formula E in a way that resonates beyond traditional motorsport circles,” she said.

By putting the storytelling in the hands of the influencers, Formula E ensured a natural and organic connection with diverse audiences. “This event wasn’t about scripted messaging—it was about showing the pure exhilaration of electric racing. Seeing these creators light up when they got behind the wheel was exactly what we hoped for,” Norman added. “They walked away with a new level of appreciation for what makes this sport so dynamic and groundbreaking.”

The participation of Hartford, Abram, and Hirschi exemplified how women are playing an increasingly influential role in motorsport and automotive media. Norman emphasized their importance: “It was crucial to select creators who embody the values of Formula E, such as innovation, technology, and a forward-thinking mindset.” These women not only offered exclusive behind-the-scenes insights but also demonstrated their deep passion for performance, engineering, and racing strategy.

“The way they connected with the cars, asked detailed questions, and actively sought ways to improve their performance was incredible,” Norman added. Their involvement was a testament to the growing influence of women in motorsport, aligning with Formula E’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and progress.

Emelia Hartford: Pushing The Limits Of Performance

Emelia Hartford, a renowned car builder, actress, and television host, is celebrated for her incredible achievements in the world of automotive building and customization.

Best known for creating “Phoenix,” a custom Corvette C8, Hartford once held the record for the fastest C8 in the quarter-mile with a time of 9.36 seconds at 147 miles per hour. She set the record at the Famoso Raceway in Southern California in June 2021.

Hartford’s success continued when she became the record holder for the fastest Nissan Z in December 2024, achieving a time of 7.75 seconds and a top speed of 181.85 miles per hour, with a car she built in just 57 days in her own garage. For Hartford the opportunity to drive the GEN 3 Evo was an experience like no other.

“I’ve always been fascinated by new tech and how far performance can be pushed,” she said. Having previously tested the GEN 3 Evo in Portland, Oregon, she was eager for more track time. “The power at your fingertips is incredible—it’s not about momentum but about instant torque. The car responds so quickly; it’s a whole new level of driving.”

Beyond speed, Hartford valued the technical training that came with the experience. “Learning how to optimize the car’s performance, understanding the energy recovery system, and working with engineers was just as exciting as the driving itself,” she shared.

As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated space, Hartford sees positive changes happening in the industry. “Every year, I see more women stepping into motorsport, whether as drivers, engineers, or content creators. Social media is making these opportunities more visible, and that’s opening doors for all of us.”

Cleo Abram: Exploring The Technology of Racing

Tech journalist Cleo Abram, known for her show Huge If True, has dedicated her career to breaking down complex technological advancements. For her, the GEN 3 Evo represented not just the future of motorsport, but of transportation itself.

“I’ve always loved learning about the tech behind motorsports,” Abram said. “Formula E isn’t just about fearless drivers—it’s a massive science project powered by engineers, software developers, and data analysts.”

One of the most unforgettable moments for Abram was experiencing the car’s raw acceleration. “The start sequence was unreal—zero to sixty in mere seconds. That feeling of instant torque, of being thrown back into your seat, is something I’ll never forget.”

Beyond the thrill, Abram was fascinated by the level of strategy involved. “It’s not just about speed; it’s about planning ahead. When I was learning, I’d be focused on Turn 1, but the team was already thinking about Turn 3. That level of mental processing blew my mind.”

Reflecting on her experience, Abram highlighted the broader implications of Formula E’s technological advancements. “This sport is pushing the limits of battery efficiency, aerodynamics, and regenerative braking. The innovations developed here could influence the future of all electric vehicles. That’s why I do what I do—if people can see the future, they can help build it.”

Alex Hirschi: Supercar Blondie Meets The Gen 3 Evo

Alex Hirschi, known as Supercar Blondie, is an influential automotive creator and entrepreneur based in Dubai. After hosting a radio talk show for over four years, she founded Supercar Blondie, which has grown into a team of 50+ people producing content on luxury cars, tech, and gaming, reaching over 100 million people across social media.

As one of the leading figures in automotive media, Hirschi has driven some of the world’s most extraordinary cars, and the GEN 3 Evo made a lasting impression on her, standing out in her impressive career.

“This car is capable of anything,” she said. “I didn’t find it hard to drive—it felt like it could handle anything. When I went full throttle, I thought, ‘Wow, this thing was made for speed!’”

Hirschi was particularly struck by the car’s responsiveness. “Even the smallest movement of the wheel makes an instant impact. At high speeds, that level of precision is everything.”

She also recognizes the cultural shift happening in motorsport. “When I started in 2017, there were very few women in this space. Now, I see more women in racing, in automotive media, and in leadership roles. It’s becoming the norm. In a few years, we won’t even have to talk about it—it’ll just be.”

Formula E’s Evo Sessions showcased the technical complexity and precision required at the pinnacle of electric racing. The participation of influential women like Hartford, Abram, and Hirschi not only provided unique insights but also added to the growing impact of women in the automotive and tech industries. As Formula E continues to push the boundaries of innovation, its commitment to inclusivity and diversity is clear, shaping the future of racing with a more dynamic, forward-thinking approach.