Another step for diversity in motorsport! Formula 1 to launch an all-female F1 Academy

Formula 1 continues to work on the involvement of women in motorsport. Their new F1 Academy series is designed to help launch the careers of talented female racers who also deserve a chance in the queen of motorsport.

Only two women in the entire history of Formula One have started in a Grand Prix. They were Maria Teresa de Filippis, who drove 3 races between 1958 and 1959, and Lella Lombardi, as the only woman to score a point in the Queen of Motorsport. 0.5 points in the 1975 Spanish VC to be precise.

This is a fact that the Formula One management is trying to change. Starting next year, the F1 Academy will offer 15 female drivers the chance to take the first step on the road to F1.

During a total of 7 races per season, the female drivers will undergo technical, physical and mental training with experienced teams. Each event will have three races on the schedule and at least one race will take place during the F1 weekend.

They will race in cars with a standardised chassis similar to the other categories in terms of a similar level to F4. The monoblocks will be powered by four-cylinder, turbocharged engines producing 165 horsepower.

Domenicali’s statement

“Everyone should have the opportunity to follow their dreams and reach their potential, and we at Formula 1 are doing everything we can to create more diversity and different pathways into this incredible sport ,” said F1 President Stefano Domenicali in an interview with F1.

“It istherefore my great pleasure to announce the creation of the F1 Academy, which will give young female drivers the best chance to fulfil their ambitions through a meaningful programme that will support their racing careers and give them everything they need to progress to the next categories,” added Domenicali.

The current F1 President added that the Queen of Motorsport’s goal is to see female drivers on the Formula 3 grid within two to three years.

Currently, the closest woman to a seat in F1 is Britain’s Jamie Chadwick. The three-time W Series champion has been a development driver for Williams Racing for three years.

F1, W Series