Qatar Airways has renewed its partnership with the BWT Alpine Formula One Team, appointing Carmen Jorda as both Head of the Alpine F1 Academy and an official ambassador for the airline. The collaboration, announced in Doha, highlights a shared ambition to expand opportunities for women in motorsport while creating new links between the aviation and Formula 1® sectors.
Jorda, a former development driver for Lotus and Renault and only the 11th woman in history to join an F1® team’s driver line-up, brings extensive experience from GP3, Indy Lights, and the Le Mans Series. Her new role with Alpine strengthens her longstanding commitment to increasing female representation at the highest levels of racing, a mission that Qatar Airways has pledged to support.
As part of the extended partnership, Jorda will represent Qatar Airways at major Grand Prix events and lead female-driver mentorship initiatives within the F1 Academy. Her work will also include community outreach, media engagement, and wider programmes designed to showcase the airline’s support for empowerment and professional development.
The renewed agreement builds on a collaboration first introduced in 2023. Qatar Airways and BWT Alpine have maintained a strong presence across Formula 1® destinations through co-branded campaigns, guest experiences, and international promotional activities aimed at engaging both fans and travellers.
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 renewed partnership, Jorda met with Senior First Officer Shaikah Al Moudadi, one of Qatar Airways’ pioneering female pilots. The meeting included sessions at the Qatar Airways Flight Deck Training Academy Simulators in Doha and a visit to Alpine’s F1 Garage, highlighting the shared focus on precision, performance, and professional advancement that links both industries.
Qatar Airways continues to expand its international sports partnerships, working across football, tennis, motorsport, rugby, basketball, and more, including agreements with FIFA, UEFA Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain, FC Internazionale Milano, MotoGP, the IRONMAN Triathlon Series, and the Brooklyn Nets.
