For the first time, special Olympic athletes can be seen on a Formula 1 racing car, part of the visibility change initiative, powered by TeamViewer, an official partner of Formula 1. This pambling milestone celebrates the talent, determination and worldwide impact of these athletes.
Five Special Olympics athletes were selected to appear on TeamViewer’s F1 Academy ™ Wildcard Car during the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2025 on Circuit Zandvoort in the Netherlands.
This historic moment emphasizes special Olympic Games as a worldwide sports organization that enables athletes with intellectual disabilities to lead both on and outside the field. By tuning for Formula 1, Inclusion accelerates in addition to the fastest sport in the world.
“This is a powerful moment for inclusion,” said Emily Klinger, head of leadership and organizational development at Special Olympics. “To see TeamViewer and F1 Academy supporting women supporting and promoting diversity in sport, the gap helps to close the gap. It is not only visibility, it is an invitation to participate, to lead and again define what is possible.”
Meet the athletes who make history
- Loretta Claiborne -Chief Inspiration Officer at Special Olympics, athlete of world class, gifted speaker and trail blower whose advocacy worldwide continues to inspire hope, courage and inclusion.
- Kiera Byland – decorated Special Olympics Groot -Britain Athlete, global ambassador for inclusion and passionate educator, recognized for her leadership, athletic excellence and dedication to authorize others with intellectual disabilities.
- Emanuelle “Manu” Dutra Fernandes de Souza – completed Special Olympics Brazil athlete and advocate for inclusion, alive by the motto “Inclusion is action,” Inspiring global change for people with intellectual disabilities.
- Melissa Mazariegos – Sargent Shriver Global Messenger and Athlete Leader van Special Olympics GuatemalaThe use of horse riding, health interests and youth mentions to break through barriers and create opportunities.
- Margaret Turley – Sargent Shriver Global Messenger and Athlete Leader from Kilkenny, for defending health and inclusion through sport and speaking in public.
These athlete leaders embody the special Olympic mission and show how sport can promote inclusion, leadership and empowerment for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Why Formula 1? Because our athletes are also fans
Formula 1 is the most popular annual sports series that according to Nielsen Sports reaches 750 million people worldwide. Since 2021, the F1 fan base has grown by more than 50 million, with the fastest growing segments that are women aged 16-24. Nowadays, 41% of F1 fans are female.
Change over the F1 Academy ™ Wildcard car and visibility drives
The campaign celebrates women who break barriers in sports, business and leadership. The F1 Academy ™ Wildcard car is part of the dedication of F1 to promote diversity and inclusion. By showing five Special Olympics atlets, the initiative not only celebrates their performance, but shares their stories worldwide, which shows fans that leadership and strength come from all over society.
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