Why Are There No Female Drivers in Formula 1?

In almost every sport, men’s and women’s branches are separated. The number of sports in which men and women compete together is incredibly rare. This is one of the few areas motor sportsis one of the areas where people who meet the conditions can fight together, regardless of their gender.

On the paper women’s competition in Formula 1 Why do we not see any female drivers in Formula 1, even though there is no obstacle and there is a large female audience? The reason for this is not, as many think, that women are not suitable for this sport.

Let’s take a look at the female racers in history first.

who have struggled to participate in races in Formula 1 history only 5 female pilots exists. Only these women the two While the number of female pilots who can get the right to start the race is the number of points only 1.

End 30 years We don’t see a female driver in Formula 1. The unsuccessful attempts in the past are not very convincing considering the low number of attempts and the fact that these female drivers have competed in smaller teams.

So what about other motorsports?

Formula 3 and Formula 2historically stand out as championships that have more female drivers on the grid. Danica Patrick female pilots such as NASCAR He is known for fighting in series such as There are many female drivers who have competed in different NASCAR series, and some are still on the grid. a similar situation INDYCAR It also applies to series.

Dakar Rally winner Jutta Kleinschmidthead of the Venturi Formula E team and pushing the doors of Formula 1 Susie Wolffwho managed to finish the World Rally Championship in 2nd place Michele Mouton In addition to names like these, it is possible to say that many women struggle in the two-wheeled series.

If women can race too, why don’t they race in Formula 1?

Why in Formula 1 Nikita Mazepin If talented pilots can’t enter right away, women can’t compete in Formula 1, that’s exactly why. The job has little to do with talent or physical capacity, With money it has to do with it. Let’s explain this situation step by step.

The way to race in Formula 1, from spending a lot of money passes. If you had a 4-year-old today and you decided to make him a Formula 1 racer, until he entered Formula 1 throughout his career. several million dollars You have to sacrifice it or find a sponsor to give those few million dollars. Sophia Florsch A female racer named ‘Sponsorship’ says that the first and biggest obstacle in front of women is sponsorship.

Because women can’t find sponsors to small teams going. Because they are in small teams, they do not have access to good cars. Because they can’t access good cars, they can’t achieve outstanding performances. Sponsors do not approach female pilots because they cannot achieve good performances. That’s why female pilots Can’t find sponsors. Because women can’t find sponsors… I think you understand the cycle.

Another problem is keeping girls out of cars:

This point is often overlooked, but it is a point that should be emphasized. Until the last few years, girls to go kart series or redirected to other children’s series. In our country, even the little go-karts in the amusement parks are offered to girls. “They are for boys” I have witnessed it being said. The perception in the world was no different. Therefore, girls are at a disadvantage when they enter a racing series.

Special series where women compete: W-Series

After women have difficulties in entering Formula 1, Formula management has W Series started a championship called This series, in which all female pilots are given a car with similar features, is designed to minimize the need for sponsors and pave the way for women. The decision was criticized for separating women and making their transition to Formula 1 more difficult, but the championship continued to be held. Winner of the championship in its first two years, previously British GT champion Jamie Chadwick it happened.

Despite the fact that Chadwick was the winner in the 2022 season, as a result of the disruption of the support from the sponsors, the season two races early finished. As the reason for this decision, it was shown that investment will be made for the 2023 season. It seems that the W Series is not yet at the desired point. If my personal opinion is For W Series and Formula E insufficient promotion and difficult access to these publications. It is possible for me to access the video views on the YouTube channel of the W Series if we go and open a Formula 1 YouTube channel now, the situation is that dire.

Is there low interest in the series in which women compete?

The main reason for this situation is not the lack of interest, product not reaching. Most race fans watch if there’s a race to watch. Accessing the Formula W Series is very difficult and complex. For some regions, there is not even a direct streaming service.

Formula 1’s view of women is also highly controversial.

Formula One Group CEO Stefano Domenicali, stated in an interview that it does not seem possible for a female driver to enter Formula 1 in the next five years. Bernie Ecclestone, the former boss of Formula 1, also said:In Formula 1 they don’t take women drivers seriously, fans don’t care, sponsors don’t invest money” He made statements in this manner.

The most recent example Susie WolffHe was only slightly slower than teammate Felipe Massa when he tested with the Williams team. Let’s also remind you that Massa was second in 2008 with a margin of 1 point, and that he has been fighting for Ferrari for years. Despite Wolff’s success, Red Bull Helmut Marko Names like people think that women can’t handle racing in Formula 1.

Formula 1 is trying to include more women. Perhaps in the coming years female pilot We can see it behind the wheel of one of the Formula 1 cars. Female pilots in junior pilot programs show that hope is not completely lost in this regard.

Sources: Flowracers, Hitc, the Washington Post, Financial Express