From Behind the Scenes to Chief Medical Officer: Dr. Shereen Habib on Mentoring in Motorsport Medicine

Mentor Spotlight

Her path into motorsport medicine begins before her first official role. She helped with medical kit preparation and logistics for the Desert Challenge, and in 2009, at the first Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix, she was recruited as a doctor in the medical centre to treat general cases. That first year brings a steep learning curve, with the medical centre requiring significant work to become race-ready. Her earlier behind-the-scenes experience gives her the skills to help pull together the resources needed to get there.

She is later appointed Deputy Chief Medical Officer, a position she holds every year until 2022, when she becomes Chief Medical Officer. She remained involved with the Desert Challenge, moving from a behind-the-scenes role to an in-person one as Deputy Chief Medical Officer. Today she is also involved with several other series, including Champions of the Future Karting and Moto events, Asian Le Mans, and the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge.

"I am most drawn to the team environment and the organisational side of the work, but I am also a bit of a petrol-head, as you have to be!"

Through the FIA Women in Motorsport mentorship program, Dr. Habib takes part as a mentor.

Paying Forward Informal Support She Once Received

Dr. Habib traces her motivation to become a mentor back to her own experience being informally supported earlier in her career. "My own very positive experience of receiving informal mentorship over the years, as well as a desire to see people, especially young women, who are new to the sport, succeed."

She also draws on prior experience mentoring in medicine. "I have previously had a role as an academic mentor for medical students in the UK and I saw what a difference I could make. I am passionate about motorsports medicine and I want to spread the word and guide young doctors."

A Mentorship That Comes Full Circle

One mentorship relationship stands out in particular: being paired with Dr. Anna Carreras, someone who was already a friend and source of guidance for her before the program. "Being paired with Dr Anna Carreras as my mentee was a pivotal moment in this journey; having started out before that with her as a friend and a guiding light for me, I was so proud to have the journey come full circle. In the end we mentored each other!"

What Mentoring Gives Her, Personally and Professionally

Dr. Habib describes the personal and professional sides of mentoring as distinct but equally meaningful. "I think personally it has been very fulfilling to be able to support young women in motorsports, knowing the challenges that they are likely to face. Professionally it is an honour to be recognised as a mentor, as it is something I have done informally for many years."

Her Advice to First-Time Mentors

For anyone considering mentoring, Dr. Habib frames it as worthwhile regardless of how much experience someone brings to it. "It is such a worthwhile thing to do and leads to so much satisfaction. If you have knowledge or a skill or just a patient, listening ear and good advice, go for it."

She adds a note about the spirit behind good mentoring. "Do it with honesty and integrity, not from a place of ego."

Why Mentorship Matters in a Field Where Women Remain a Minority

Dr. Habib connects the value of mentorship directly to the underrepresentation of women in motorsport. "Mentorship is crucial in areas that are not typical, such as motorsports. This is especially highlighted with women as we are a (growing) minority in the field of motorsports across all roles."

She describes what that support looks like in practice. "As a mentee, to have someone who paved the way ahead of you give you solid advice and reassurance that it can be done, and to provide a safe sounding board for questions, frustrations, ideas and to nurture your growth is critical for development. So the role of the mentor is very important."

Her Recommendation

When asked for a book, tool or resource recommendation, Dr. Habib points to people rather than any single title. "The most important resource for me has always been other people! I have had and still have many mentors and inspiring figures, including my friends Dr Anna Carreras (FIA medical delegate), Dr Jenny Bertin (a motorsports medicine veteran), and Dr Ian Roberts. Women like Susie Wolff are also a big inspiration to me. I am constantly inspired by my team as well."