More Than Equal, the global high-performance motorsport programme focused on identifying and developing elite female racing talent, has announced a new research partnership with the University of Portsmouth to explore the anthropometric fit and ergonomic alignment of female drivers within Formula 4 (F4) race cars.
The collaborative project will bring together More Than Equal's extensive driver data and expertise in female athlete development with the University of Portsmouth's specialist capabilities in biomechanics, physiology and performance research.
Despite Formula 4 serving as a critical step on the pathway to professional motorsport, there remains limited research examining how female drivers physically interact with the cockpit environment. Through this project, researchers will investigate the relationship between driver anthropometry and cockpit dimensions, helping to build a stronger evidence base around driver fit, comfort and performance.
L-R: Dr Emma Neupert, Dr Fran Longstaff and Dr Chris Mills
The research will analyse anonymised anthropometric data from More Than Equal's ongoing research programme, alongside detailed assessments of Formula 4 cockpit dimensions and driver-cockpit interactions. The project will also explore practical ergonomic interventions and seat-fit optimisation approaches designed to support driver performance.
Dr Fran Longstaff, Chief Innovation Officer at More Than Equal , said: "Formula 4 is where many young drivers begin their journey in single-seater racing, making it an incredibly important environment to understand. By combining More Than Equal's driver data and development expertise with the University of Portsmouth's research capabilities, we hope to generate valuable new insights into how female drivers interact with F4 cars. Ultimately, this research is about better understanding the relationship between the driver and the car, and using that knowledge to help female athletes perform at their highest level."
Ultimately, this research is about ensuring we have a stronger evidence base for understanding driver-vehicle interaction and the factors that may influence performance.
Dr Emma Neupert, Senior Lecturer in Physiology (Sport and Performance)
The project forms part of More Than Equal's wider commitment to generating evidence-based insights that help remove barriers to female participation and performance in motorsport. By working with leading academic institutions, the organisation aims to deepen understanding of the factors that influence driver development and support the creation of best-practice approaches across the sport.
Dr Emma Neupert , Senior Lecturer in Physiology (Sport and Performance) at the University of Portsmouth, said: "Building on the important work of More Than Equal, our project aims to assess the anthropometric and biomechanical fit of female drivers within the Formula 4 cockpit. By developing advanced modelling approaches, we will examine how drivers interact with the vehicle environment and build a more detailed understanding of driver-cockpit fit. Ultimately, this research is about ensuring we have a stronger evidence base for understanding driver-vehicle interaction and the factors that may influence performance. By improving our understanding of driver-cockpit fit, we hope to inform future approaches to driver preparation, cockpit set-up and performance optimisation."
L-R: Dr Chris Mills and Dr Emma Neupert from the University of Portsmouth, with Dr Fran Longstaff from More Than Equal
Dr Chris Mills , from the University of Portsmouth's Faculty of Science and Health, added: "The project aims to create a computer model of a Formula 4 cockpit and female driver, adapting the driver dimensions to represent women of different shapes and sizes. Using simulations and an optimisation algorithm, it assesses cockpit fit, braking and steering force capability and identifies the optimal seating position to maximise driving performance. We hope this research, focused on female drivers, will help improve our understanding of how drivers interact with the Formula 4 cockpit environment and contribute to evidence-based approaches to driver preparation and performance."
The research programme is expected to begin in 2026, with findings helping to inform future approaches to driver preparation, cockpit fit assessment and performance optimisation for female drivers competing in Formula 4 and beyond.
Founded by the businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist Karel Komárek and former F1 driver David Coulthard, More Than Equal is dedicated to finding and developing the first female Formula 1 World Champion.
