Inspiring the next generation and supporting a rising F4 talent
E.ON and Veloce joined forces to support the next generation of motorsport talent, surprising young F4 Development Driver Ivonn Simeonova with an exclusive training session led by Jamie Chadwick.
Creating opportunities for the next generation is at the heart of what we do. Through our partnership with Veloce, and collaborations that champion diversity, inclusion, and education, we’re proud to support emerging talent and help break down barriers in traditionally underrepresented spaces. In motorsport, initiatives like this are vital in nurturing future stars and driving meaningful change.
Together with Veloce, we surprised Development Driver Ivonn Simeonova with a visit to IDEC Sport’s facility, where she met Jamie Chadwick and took part in an exclusive one-to-one training session:
Read on as Jamie Chadwick shares her perspective on the day and Ivonn’s development during the session.
“Recently, I had the opportunity to partner with E.ON on something that really matters to me, which is supporting young people coming through the ranks. E.ON’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and education aligns closely with what I want to see more of in motorsport, so it felt like a very natural fit for me.
Together, we organised a surprise training day for fifteen-year-old Ivonn Simeonova at the IDEC Sport simulator facility. Ivonn is currently a Formula 4 Development Driver as part of the More Than Equal initiative, so she’s already on an exciting path.
We started the day in the workshop, spending time around the F4 car. I always think it’s important to make these sessions as realistic as possible, using the experience to understand the car, the environment, and what it feels like to be in the cockpit.
We talked through things like the seating position - how tight and compromised it can be - and the adjustments drivers can make when setting the car up. We also touched on some of the finer details, like using audio cues for gear shifts - something that can make a real difference when you’re out on track.
Moving from karting into F4 is a big step, so we spoke honestly about what that transition looks like, from the physical demands and the increased competition to the level of focus required. Ivonn shared her ambition to one day become a Formula One World Champion, which is exactly the kind of belief and determination you want to see at this stage.
The focus of our time together was preparing Ivonn for her upcoming race at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia. Ivonn completed a session on the simulator to familiarise herself with the track, while I worked alongside her to guide the process. After her initial laps, we reviewed the data together, looking closely at braking points, cornering technique, and throttle application.
It’s often the small details that unlock performance, so we worked on refining those areas. I encouraged Ivonn to be more aggressive on corner exits and to commit more through one of the key long left-handers. She took that feedback onboard straight away, and it was great to see her translate it into a quicker lap time.
What stood out most was Ivonn’s attitude. She was calm, focused, and willing to learn. That kind of mindset is so important, especially early on. Seeing young drivers like Ivonn coming through with that level of determination is genuinely inspiring, and I can’t wait to see what she achieves in her racing career!
The training day was also a reminder of why creating clear pathways and opportunities for female drivers is so important. For me, sessions like this are about more than just performance. They might seem small, but these training days can make a real difference, whether it’s sharing knowledge, sharpening skills, or simply helping young drivers believe that they belong in this sport.
Supporting the next generation - especially female drivers - by creating a genuine pathway for them in the sport is something I care deeply about, and it’s great to work with partners like E.ON who share that vision.”
How belief powers the future
Stories like Ivonn’s highlight the impact that the right support, guidance, and belief can have at a crucial stage in a young athlete’s journey. Through our partnership with Veloce, and by continuing to invest in inclusive initiatives, E.ON is helping to power the ambitions of the next generation, both on and off the track. We look forward to following Ivonn’s progress and celebrating the future she represents for motorsport.