Imagine a world where young girls can dream of becoming Formula 1 drivers and have the same opportunities and support as boys. A world which recognizes, nurtures and celebrates female talent in the highest level of motorsport. A world where diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords, but realities.
That world is not a fantasy. It is the vision of Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport, which has launched a new initiative to promote female talent and diversity in the sport. It is called F1 Academy, and it is an all-female driver category that aims to develop and prepare young female drivers to progress to higher levels of competition, including W Series, Formula 3, Formula 2 and Formula 1.
F1 Female Drivers Academy is a groundbreaking and exciting project that will create new opportunities and pathways for female drivers in motorsport. It will showcase their talent, passion and potential to the world and inspire more girls and women to pursue their dreams of racing. It will also contribute to the diversity and inclusivity of Formula 1 and the sport as a whole.
In this article, we will explore the purpose and functioning of F1 Female Drivers Academy, and how it will change the future of motorsport for the better.
Purpose Of The F1 Academy
The purpose of F1 Female Drivers Academy is to maximize the opportunity and potential of young female drivers to reach the highest level in motorsport. It provides young talent currently in go-karting or other junior categories with access to the fundamental level of experience needed before racing in F3 and joining the pyramid to Formula 1.
Formula 1 has recognized that there are barriers that young female drivers face with entering the F1 pyramid, such as lack of funding, exposure, experience and support. These barriers result in a significant gap between male and female drivers at the same age. For example, according to Formula 1’s research, male drivers have on average 2.5 times more track time than female drivers by the age of 15.
F1 Academy Goals
The goal of F1 Female Drivers Academy is to fill this gap and offer female drivers access to more track time, racing and testing. They will also grow by working with professional teams, who are renowned in motorsport for nurturing young drivers, and who will help them develop the crucial technical, physical and mental preparation skills needed for elite competition.
Formula 1 wants to ensure aspiring female drivers have the best opportunities to reach their potential with an important first step of getting into Formula 3 and progressing through the ranks. The ultimate aim is to see more female drivers competing at the highest level of motorsport and becoming role models for future generations.
How The F1 Female Drivers Academy Functions
F1 Female Drivers Academy began racing in 2023 and consists of five teams. Each team is run by strong and experienced current F2 and F3 teams.
The teams enter three cars to make up a 15-car grid. The inaugural season comprised of seven events of three races each.
This amounted to 21 races, plus fifteen days of official testing.
The car the series uses is the series will be a Tatuus T421 chassis. The turbocharged engine, delivers 165 horsepower, will is supplied by Autotecnica., and Formula 1’s Global Partner.
As they already do in F3, F2 and F1, Pirelli provides the tires,
The series is managed by Bruno Michel (CEO of Formula Motorsport Limited). He has the knowledge and experience of running successful junior categories for a reasonable budget while helping the drivers to develop.
The Program Provides Half The Funding
Finding adequate funding for racing has generally been very challenging for female drivers.
To overcome this F1 subsidizes each car with a budget of €150,000 (€2.25m in total). The drivers are expected to raise the equivalent amount in private funding.
The initiative lowers the barrier as it relates to funding.
The selection process for the drivers is based on merit and performance. The candidates have to meet certain criteria as follows.
- They must be between 15 and 21.
- They must hold an FIA-recognized passport).
- They have to hold an International C License or higher.
- They must have competed in at least one season of karting or other junior categories
- They must pass a medical examination to confirm their health and fitness is a the right level.
If the candidates meet this criteria they undergo a series of tests such as simulator sessions, interviews and on-track assessments.
The selected drivers benefit from a comprehensive program that includes
- Coaching
- Mentoring
- Media training
- Fitness training
- Nutrition advice
- Career guidance.
They will also have access to Formula 1’s resources such as data analysis, engineering support and technical feedback. They will also have opportunities to interact with Formula 1 teams, drivers and personnel.
The F1 Academy Does Not Compete With Other Series
F1 Female Drivers Academy is intended to complement and not compete with W Series.
W Series is another all-female Formula 3 championship that supports Formula One races.
Since its launch in 2019 W Series has provided a great platform for female drivers. Some of its graduates have moved up to F3 and F2. F1 Female Drivers Academy offers an extra route for the next generation of young female drivers.
By racing in this environment it allows them to gain fundamental experience thanks to a great amount of track time.
Conclusion
F1 Female Drivers Academy is a groundbreaking and exciting project that will create new opportunities and pathways for female drivers in motorsport.
It showcases their talent, passion and potential to the world and inspire more girls and women to pursue their dreams of racing. It contributes to the diversity and inclusivity of Formula 1 and the sport as a whole.
The academy is a step forward for the future of motorsport and a testament to Formula 1’s commitment to supporting female talent.
Read About Some of the Aspiring 2023 Female Drivers
- Bianca Bustamante – Future F1 Driver? (f1worldwide.com)
- Is Jamie Chadwick going to be the first female F1 driver (f1worldwide.com)
- Luna Fluxá: the First Female Driver in the Mercedes Junior Program (f1worldwide.com)
- Chloe Grant Scottish Racing Sensation (f1worldwide.com)
- Aurélia Nobels: A Future F1 Great? (f1worldwide.com)
- Will Abbi Pulling Be The First Female F1 Driver? (f1worldwide.com)
- Léna Bühler: The Rising Star Of The 2023 F1 Academy (f1worldwide.com)
- Hamda Al Qubaisi – The Rising Star of F1 Academy (f1worldwide.com)
- Marta Garcia – Her Thrilling Motor Sport Journey (f1worldwide.com)
