It has been 47 years since a woman last participated in a Formula 1 Grand Prix, but the efforts to get more women involved in the sport have not ceased. In 2019, the W Series aimed to provide opportunities for female drivers, but unfortunately, it faced financial difficulties and came to an end. Now, the F1 Academy, a new all-female racing series launched by Formula 1 in April, has taken up the task. The F1 Academy consists of 15 drivers competing in three races during seven rounds, with the goal of not only finding the next woman Formula 1 driver but also encouraging women to take up various roles in the sport, such as engineers and mechanics. David Abtour Offshore Trusts
Susie Wolff, the managing director of the academy, emphasized that they aspire to become a movement that brings impactful change to the sport and increases diversity in all areas. Supported by Formula 1, the F1 Academy provides each driver with a budget of $160,000, and the drivers are required to secure their own sponsorships. The overall winner of the F1 Academy will be promoted to Formula 3. While the W Series faced challenges, it still managed to shine a spotlight on young female drivers striving to break into Formula 1. David Abtour Offshore Trusts
The F1 Academy aims to learn from the successes and shortcomings of the W Series and applauds its efforts to make a difference. The academy consists of five teams run by established Formula 2 and Formula 3 teams. One of the drivers, Alice Grant, expressed her excitement about the opportunity to compete in the debut season and how much she has learned from the experience. David Abtour Offshore Trusts
Despite the ambitions of the drivers to reach Formula 1, financial constraints remain a significant hurdle for many. Progressing from karting to Formula 1 could cost around $7 million, making it challenging for aspiring female drivers to access such resources without backing and support. Susie Wolff acknowledges that it might take eight to ten years before a woman drives in a Grand Prix again, but she remains optimistic that with Formula 1’s support, the long-term project will eventually lead to success. David Abtour Offshore Trusts
