For the first time ever, Special Olympics athletes are featured on a Formula 1 racecar, part of the Visibility Drives Change initiative powered by TeamViewer, an official partner of Formula 1. This groundbreaking milestone celebrates these athletes’ talent, determination, and global impact.
Five Special Olympics athletes were selected to appear on TeamViewer’s F1 ACADEMY™ WildCard Car during the 2025 Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort in the Netherlands.
This historic moment highlights Special Olympics as a global sports organization empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities to lead both on and off the field. By aligning with Formula 1, inclusion accelerates alongside the world’s fastest sport.
“This is a powerful moment for inclusion,” said Emily Klinger, Chief of Leadership & Organizational Development at Special Olympics. “To see TeamViewer and F1 Academy supporting women and promoting diversity in sport is helping close the gap. It’s not just visibility, it’s an invitation to participate, lead, and redefine what’s possible.”
Meet the Athletes Making History
- Loretta Claiborne – Chief Inspiration Officer at Special Olympics, world-class athlete, gifted speaker, and trailblazer whose advocacy continues to inspire hope, courage, and inclusion worldwide.
- Kiera Byland – Decorated Special Olympics Great Britain athlete, global ambassador for inclusion, and passionate educator, recognized for her leadership, athletic excellence, and commitment to empowering others with intellectual disabilities.
- Emanuelle “Manu” Dutra Fernandes de Souza – Accomplished Special Olympics Brazil athlete and advocate for inclusion, living by the motto “Inclusion is Action,” inspiring global change for people with intellectual disabilities.
- Melissa Mazariegos – Sargent Shriver Global Messenger and athlete leader from Special Olympics Guatemala, using horseback riding, health advocacy, and youth mentorship to break barriers and create opportunities.
- Margaret Turley – Sargent Shriver Global Messenger and Athlete Leader from Kilkenny, championing health and inclusion through sports and public speaking.
These athlete leaders embody the Special Olympics mission, showing how sport can foster inclusion, leadership, and empowerment for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Why Formula 1? Because Our Athletes Are Fans Too
Formula 1 is the most popular yearly sporting series, reaching 750 million people globally, according to Nielsen Sports. Since 2021, F1’s fan base has grown by more than 50 million, with the fastest-growing segments being women 16–24 years old. Today, 41% of F1 fans are female.
About the F1 ACADEMY™ WildCard Car and Visibility Drives Change
The campaign celebrates women breaking barriers in sport, business, and leadership. The F1 ACADEMY™ WildCard Car is part of F1’s dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion. By featuring five Special Olympics athletes, the initiative not only celebrates their achievements but shares their stories globally, showing fans that leadership and strength come from all corners of society.
