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Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds Donates $250,000 To Charity After Bet With Max Verstappen
Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E, and Max Verstappen, a four-time FIA Formula 1 World Champion, have agreed to split a $250,000 donation between two charities. This decision was made during a video call where they discussed a previous wager. The funds will support Women In Motorsport and Wings For Life.
The all-electric championship has committed $125,000 to enhance opportunities for women in motorsport. This initiative includes a partnership with More Than Equal to research barriers faced by women in the sport. The remaining $125,000 will go to Wings For Life, a foundation focused on spinal cord research.
Initially, Jeff Dodds pledged the donation if any driver beat Max Verstappen in the 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. Despite Verstappen's victory, both parties decided to honour the commitment to charity. The agreement was reached before the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s Season 11 opener in São Paulo.
Formula E is launching initiatives to promote gender equity within its championship. A strategic partnership with More Than Equal will focus on understanding challenges women face in reaching top levels of motorsport. This collaboration aims to create pathways for female drivers and enhance diversity within the sport.
Dr. Fran Longstaff from More Than Equal expressed excitement about partnering with Formula E on this research project. "This project will use our expertise to identify key factors that contribute to success in this unique and rapidly evolving series," she said.
Wings For Life Foundation
Max Verstappen chose Wings For Life as his charity of choice for the donation. He stated, "The charity closest to me is Wings For Life and I’m sure they’ll be very grateful." The foundation focuses on finding cures for spinal cord injuries through global research projects.
Anita Gerhardter, CEO of Wings for Life, thanked Jeff Dodds and Max Verstappen for their generous contribution. She noted that all funds would support promising research efforts worldwide aimed at curing spinal cord injuries.
Formula E's Commitment
Jeff Dodds highlighted Formula E's dedication to supporting gender equity and inclusion within the championship. "What started as a very tongue-in-cheek ‘bet’ at the start of the season has evolved into a serious commitment," he remarked.
The new season of Formula E promises thrilling races and exciting wheel-to-wheel action for fans globally. As part of its ongoing efforts, Formula E continues to showcase its commitment to sustainability and innovation in electric vehicle racing.
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship remains the only sport-certified net zero carbon since inception. It brings elite motorsport racing to iconic cities worldwide while promoting sustainable progress through electric vehicle innovation.
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