Formula 1: The major change the F1 Academy needs to make

As a long-time motorsport enthusiast who has witnessed the struggles and triumphs of trailblazing female drivers like Susie Wolff, I firmly believe it’s high time we provide these talented racers with the opportunities they deserve. The F1 Academy is a significant step forward in encouraging more women into the world of racing, but the path beyond that seems to be fraught with obstacles.

Susie Wolff launched the F1 Academy initiative aiming to increase female participation in motor racing, ultimately intending to have a woman compete in Formula 1. Nevertheless, there appears to be a challenge for these aspiring women drivers when it comes to joining an FIA-supported series like Formula 3.

It appears that F1 Academy vehicles are comparable in speed and ability to Formula 4 cars. As such, it might seem that the logical progression would be moving on to Formula 3. However, Formula 3 racing teams don’t seem particularly open to giving opportunities to female drivers.

Currently, the champion of the F1 Academy receives a fully-funded position in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine for the upcoming season.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t contain my excitement! The 2023 Formula 1 Academy champion, Marta Garcia, has been offered a seat with Prema Racing. To add to the thrill, teams competing in FRECA are given the opportunity to field an extra car if they recruit a driver who has finished among the top three in the F1 Academy. What an incredible start to her Formula racing career for Marta!

The F1 Academy champion should get an automatic seat in Formula 3 instead.

One challenge that many F1 Academy drivers, including talented racers like Abbi Pulling, encounter is securing a spot in FIA feeder series. Despite their skill, finding an opportunity for a Formula 3 seat can prove challenging due to the competitive nature of the motorsport industry.

To ensure young female racers can make their mark in motorsport, it’s crucial they receive a fair chance. Instead of being granted a spot in the Formula Renault European Championship (FRECA), a more suitable option would be to place them in Formula 3.

Besides being a sensible choice, it’s also the optimal decision for the future, considering the placement of a female driver in a Formula 1 cockpit. Drivers like Jamie Chadwick and Doriane Pin have excelled significantly in the Formula 1 Academy this season, taking into account their racing prowess and lap times.

It’s crucial for Formula 3 teams to pay attention to this series and provide testing opportunities to these skilled drivers, who are currently overlooked due to perceived risks. However, one opportunity could be the key to shattering the barriers that have hindered women in racing. The achievements of Jamie Chadwick serve as a powerful reminder of this need, and it’s evident that the FIA should take further steps to support and nurture the careers of gifted female racers.

2024-09-02 13:32

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