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

On the paper women’s competition in Formula 1 Why don’t we see female drivers in Formula 1, when there is no barrier and there is a large female audience? The reason for this is not, as many believe, that women are not suitable for this sport.

First, let’s look at the female racers in history.

who have struggled to compete in races in Formula 1 history only 5 female pilots consists. 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 1 only.

End 30 years We do not see a female driver in Formula 1. The failed attempts in the past are not very convincing given the low number of attempts and the fact that these female drivers have raced in smaller teams.

So what about other motorsports?

Formula 3 and Formula 2historically stand out as championships with more female drivers on the grid. Danny Patrick female pilots like NASCAR He is known for battling in series like There are many female drivers who have competed in various NASCAR series, and some of them are still on the grid. a similar situation INDYCAR Also applies to serials.

Dakar Rally winner Jutta Kleinschmidthead of the Venturi Formula E team and pushes the doors of Formula 1 Susie Wolffwho managed to finish the World Rally Championship in 2nd place Michael Mouton Besides names like these, it is possible to say that many women wrestle 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 drivers can’t compete right away, women can’t compete in Formula 1, precisely for that reason. The job has little to do with talent or physical ability, With money it has to do with it. Let’s explain this situation step by step.

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

Because women can’t find sponsors to small teams to go. Because they are in small teams, they don’t have access to good cars. Because they don’t have access to good cars, they can’t deliver outstanding performance. Sponsors do not approach female pilots because they cannot perform well. 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 one that needs to be emphasized. Until the last few years, girls to go kart series or forwarded to other children’s series. In our country, even the small go-karts in the amusement parks are offered to girls. “They are for boys” I’ve seen it said. The perception in the world was no different. Therefore, girls are at a disadvantage when they participate in a racing series.

Special series in which women compete: W-Series

After women struggle to enter Formula 1, Formula management has W series started a championship called This series, in which all female pilots are given a car with similar characteristics, is designed to minimize the need for sponsors and pave the way for women. The decision was criticized for separating women and complicating their transition to Formula 1, but the championship continued. Championship winner in the first two years, formerly British GT Champion Jamie Chadwick it happened.

Despite Chadwick coming out victorious in the 2022 season, due to the loss of sponsor support, the season two races early finished. The reason for this decision was stated that investments will be made for the 2023 season. It seems that the W Series is not yet at the desired point. If my personal opinion For W series and formula E insufficient promotion and difficult access to these publications. It will be possible for me to access the video views on the W Series YouTube channel if we open a YouTube channel for Formula 1 now, that’s how dire the situation is.

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

The main reason for this situation is not lack of interest, product does not reach. Most racing fans look to see if there is a race to watch. Getting into the Formula W Series is very difficult and complex. For some regions, there isn’t even a direct streaming service.

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

CEO of the Formula 1 Group Stefano Domenicali, stated in an interview that it does not seem possible for a female driver to enter Formula 1 for the next five years. Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone also said:In Formula 1 they don’t take female drivers seriously, fans don’t care, sponsors don’t invest moneyThis is how he made statements.

The most recent example Susie WolffHe was only slightly slower than team-mate Felipe Massa when he tested with the Williams team. Let us also remind you that Massa finished 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 women can’t handle racing in Formula 1.

Formula 1 is trying to involve 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 that regard.

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