Yasmina Ramirez: “Seeing more women grow, from paddock guests to across the whole motorsport industry, has been incredible”

Yasmina Ramirez currently leads Hospitality Services for the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix and MotoGP at Lusail International Circuit through her role at Quint. Originally from Spain and now based in Doha, her career has taken her across cities like London, Manchester, Mexico City, São Paulo, Paris, Madrid, and more, exposing her to a global perspective on hospitality. With over 15 years of experience, she’s focused on creating seamless, high-quality experiences for guests, whether that’s through managing luxury hospitality or running large-scale events. She’s someone who’s comfortable in fast-paced environments and pays close attention to the details that really make a difference. She moved into the space about four years ago when she joined QUINT, part of the same Liberty Media group as Formula 1 and MotoGP.

“I still consider myself as someone who’s learning a lot in this industry,” Yasmina tells Females in Motorsport. 

“But the last few years have been really intense, with so much experience, so much happening not just in Formula 1, but also in MotoGP. It’s given me a strong understanding of both programmes and what it really takes to deliver a great spectacle and an exceptional experience for our VIP clients.”

Having worked across different countries, Yasmina has seen how hospitality varies from place to place.

“Qatar, and the Middle East in general, is completely different; hospitality is part of who they are, it’s in their lifestyle,” she says.

“The UK does luxury really well, too. You have incredible venues, amazing menus, and highly trained staff. But those experiences are usually limited to certain places or events, and they come at a premium.” 

“In Qatar, it’s different. No matter the size or scale of the event, that level of hospitality is just there. It’s natural. You see it in how people treat each other, how kind they are, how willing they are to help. It goes beyond just the event experience.”

“Here, hospitality is also about prestige and identity. It allows you to create something truly special, but it also comes with very high expectations. Every year, you’re expected to go beyond what you did before, not just in the food, but in every detail, from the setup to the decor and overall experience.”

Catering to people is never easy; everyone comes with different expectations, and there’s no room to fall short. For Yasmina, it’s a team effort above all.“I’m very grateful for my colleagues, both men and women, because none of this is possible without them,” she says.

“We have so many female guests, which I love. And in Qatar, we also work with so many female suppliers, it’s amazing to see. Seeing more women grow, from paddock guests to across the whole motorsport industry, has been incredible.”

She’s also passionate about encouraging more people to step into hospitality roles, a space she believes is both demanding and deeply rewarding.

“Preparation and studies are important, of course, but experience is key,” she says.

“And, so is having an eye for detail. You really have to be a people person in this role; you need to enjoy being around guests, talking to them, understanding them.”

“That eye for detail makes all the difference. We notice things others don’t, small choices that may seem insignificant, like the flooring in a hospitality suite, but they shape the first impression for a guest.”

“Understanding what your team needs is just as important. You have to support them, trust them, and give them the space to do their job well.”

Having worked across multiple race weekends, she points out that no two days are ever the same; each one brings its own pressure and challenges.

“Friday is the most intense for us,” she says.

“Guests arrive with high expectations, and it is a part of our job to set the tone for the weekend.”

“Saturday is my favourite day because everything starts to click. The team, the suppliers, the guests, everyone knows the flow, and the experience feels more seamless.”

“Sunday is different. Guests are fully focused on the race; they don’t really notice the details anymore. In a way, it’s easier for us.”

“All three days are hectic and equally important, but each comes with its own challenges. And by the end of it, after months of planning, there’s a huge sense of relief, we celebrate, and sometimes even get emotional.”

From the outside, the Paddock Club looks effortless, luxurious, and perfectly put together. But behind that experience is a lot of pressure, constant problem-solving, and months of hard work that most people never see. And at the heart of it are people like Yasmina, handling the chaos, making quick decisions, and keeping everything running smoothly. Just like on track, the real work happens behind the scenes, and it’s driven by people who rarely step into the spotlight.