Ester Fonseca-Patriarco Driving Sustainable Change with Tomorrow’s Wheels

With the global motorsport industry generating approximately 1.2 billion tonnes of carbon emissions annually, according to the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Brazilian entrepreneur Ester Fonseca-Patriarco’s passion for sustainability and motorsport led her to found Tomorrow’s Wheels. As an entrepreneur and educator, Ester understands the power of education and awareness building to drive change. Through Tomorrow’s Wheels, she aims to educate individuals and institutions on motorsport’s environmental and social impact, as well as promote sustainable solutions that can make the industry more inclusive and eco-friendly. 

Motorsport Enthusiast to Sustainability Advocate 

Growing up in Brazil in a small religious community, Ester was not exposed to motorsport until she was eleven. However, after watching her first Formula 1 race on TV, she knew she wanted to be a racing driver. Despite working and studying in sustainability, education, and communication, Ester never lost her passion for motorsport. Eventually, she combined all of these interests into Tomorrow’s Wheels. 

Driving Sustainable Change 

Tomorrow’s Wheels is a unique initiative driving positive change in the motorsport industry that seeks to educate and promote social and environmental sustainability. The organization believes that education, awareness building, and collaboration are critical to creating change. Tomorrow’s Wheels aims to start from the foundation by raising awareness of under-looked issues, collaborating with experts in the industry, sharing innovation, and discussing sustainable solutions.  

As of today, Tomorrow’s Wheels offers educational content that may not be easily accessible on motorsport outlets, such as the environmental, social, and economic impact of different racing series. The organization also gathers information about industry trailblazers, some of which include organizations, corporates, consulting firms, and not-for-profit organizations leading the path of sustainability in motorsport. Tomorrow’s Wheels’ next step is to offer online courses that anyone can watch worldwide to get educated on the topic. 

Getting Involved and Raising Awareness 

Individuals can get involved with Tomorrow’s Wheels by becoming a collaborator or active supporter. Collaborators may contribute as guest writers or event speakers, while supporters can follow the organization’s work and help promote it in their network. Tomorrow’s Wheels also welcomes mentors who can guide the organization to achieve its mission of driving positive change in motorsport and transforming it into a more sustainable and inclusive industry. 

Education, Diversity, and Long-Term Goals for Tomorrow’s Wheels 

As an educator, Ester understands the power of education and awareness building to transform society. Tomorrow’s Wheels collects and promotes data on diversity, equity, equality, and inclusion programs across many championships to encourage more people and institutions to join these efforts. The organization also provides advice and resources to young girls interested in pursuing a career in motorsport through initiatives such as Women in Motorsport North America and Girls on Track UK. 

In the long term, Tomorrow’s Wheels aims to become a reference for sustainability in motorsport, driving the industry toward a more sustainable and inclusive future. The organization hopes to collaborate with key stakeholders and promote sustainable solutions that reduce the environmental impact of motorsport while increasing diversity and inclusivity. The ultimate impact of Tomorrow’s Wheels would be a significant reduction in the environmental impact of motorsport and more inclusive industry. 

Advice for Young Girls Pursuing a Career in Motorsport 

Ester understands the unique challenges that young girls face when pursuing a career in motorsport, having faced similar obstacles herself. She advises young girls to believe in their dreams and seek out allies who can provide support, emphasizing that gender should not be a hindrance to success. “Women in motorsport want to be one of many women in the room. They want you to succeed,” she said. “If you have a purpose and are good at what you do, your gender shouldn’t matter.” Ester encourages young girls to join networks such as Women in Motorsport North America and Girls on Track UK, which offer opportunities for girls and young women in the industry. 

Ester’s own initiative, Tomorrow’s Wheels, also aims to inspire and empower young girls in the industry through education and collaboration. The organization’s website features a growing list of trailblazers in social sustainability who can serve as role models for young girls interested in pursuing a career in motorsport. Ester’s message to young girls is clear: Believe in yourself, seek out allies, and pursue your dreams with determination and passion.