Elisa Scalcon: “For women, it’s so important to support each other, be there for each other and help each other out”

Meet Elisa Scalcon, the Creative Solutions Manager at Formula 1. Her journey started at the University of Portsmouth, where she studied graphic design. It was during university that she first stepped into the sports industry, taking on a role at Leaders in Sport, an events company that gave her a real understanding of how the business side of sport works. From there, she joined Chelsea Football Club, working in the fan engagement team on home matchday activations at Stamford Bridge.  She later moved to Wasserman, where she worked across major accounts including UEFA and the Chicago Bears, focusing on brand marketing, social campaigns and creative ideas. Each step added a new layer to her experience, all of which eventually led her to Formula 1, where her creative instincts and commercial mindset now come together.

“I’m lucky because it’s such an interesting time to be at Formula 1,” Elisa tells Females in Motorsport.

“We’re challenged every day to think about what’s next; we’re never just coasting. The company really pushes us to innovate and do better, and that mindset is exciting because you come to work knowing you’ll be tackling something new. 

“Formula 1 is seen as the pinnacle of technology and innovation, and that’s something we genuinely strive for in our everyday work.”

What many people don’t always see is that the success of Formula 1 goes far beyond the racing itself. Every part of the business has contributed to its global rise, with the brand expanding into multiple spaces that strengthen its reach and impact.

“42% of our fanbase is now female, and in 2025, 48% of all new fans were women,” she says.

“That’s incredible for a sport that not long ago was seen as purely male-dominated. We also have 43% of our audience under 35, which shows we’re reaching a whole new generation of fans.

“What’s important is that we’ve managed to grow without alienating the fans who’ve been with us for 20, 30 or even 40 years. They still get the sport they love, while we’ve diversified the brand to welcome new audiences in a way that feels authentic. That balance has been a huge part of Formula 1’s success.”

Every team on the ground is constantly on its toes, working through race week to deliver an incredible show and create an experience that connects with every kind of fan. But when you’re operating at that pace, creative burnout can feel inevitable.

“I always encourage my team to take a step back and do research,” she says.

"For a creative person, research is so important, and you have to stay on top of trends and look at what’s happeningacross sport and entertainment, that’s your inspiration pot. We’re lucky we can switch between different projects and departments, so it doesn’t feel like you’re working on the same thing all the time. 

“It’s also important to recognise the wins, big and small. As creatives, we get attached to our ideas, so when they come to life in a partnership, celebrating that matters. And while race weekend is our core product, the real challenge is asking how the brand shows up 365 days a year, not just during the season.”

Together, it’s a mindset that combines creativity with perspective, knowing when to push forward, when to pause, and how to keep evolving in a sport that never stands still. And beyond the work itself, Elisa is equally passionate about the people around her and the culture that shapes the industry.

Currently, she manages two female graphic designers, and the entire Creative Solutions team at Formula One is made up of women, which she is proud to be part of.

“For women, it’s so important to support each other, be there for each other and help each other out,” she says.

“That will take you further than so many other skills you can learn. Listening and learning are everything. Whenever I’m in a room with senior leaders or people who have more experience than I do, I just listen.

“There are always little nuggets of insight they share without even realising it, and you think, ‘I’ve never looked at it that way before.’ So ask questions, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, and really try to understand more.

“If I had to sum it all up, it’s having both soft skills and hard skills. Have confidence in yourself. Women should continue to support each other; that’s really important. Listen, ask questions constantly, and get to know everyone in the business and how all the different parts come together to make an event happen. That broader understanding is just as important as anything else.”

After speaking to Elisa, what stays with you is how grounded she is. She talks about big ideas and global brands, but also about listening, learning, and supporting other women along the way. It’s not just about what happens on track anymore. It’s about the people behind it, and Elisa is very much one of them.