Females in Current Motorsport

[Castellet]

I know there have been several previous threads, but thought it was time to freshen things up under a new heading.

Women represent 50% of the population (75% in my household - hence my interest), but only a tiny percent are represented in motorsport, with a few notable figures in the history books.

With new initiatives, new faces and, it seems, a will to see more women succeed in all levels and areas of motorsport (not just drivers), perhaps we will can enjoy some constructive discussion about future talent.

[bockaaarck]

There are quite a few up and coming talents I’ve noticed and keeping my eyes on. There’s the obvious drivers who are at the top of the pack in F1 Academy as well as Sarah Bovy, Michelle Gatting, Rahel Fry, Celia Martin, Karen Gaillard, Marta Garcia, Jem Hepworth etc, but I think there are others like Lisa Billard, Ella Steven’s, Ella Lloyd, Alisha Palmowski who I think have huge potential to take forward

Edited by bockaaarck on Saturday 4th May 21:18

[Sebring440]

bockaaarck said:

There’s the obvious drivers who are at the top of the pack in F1 Academy

The problem with the F1 Academy is that it's a PR stunt.

Many excellent British drivers had applied for the 2024 season and spent (lots) of money with teams on pre-season testing, having worked very hard to achieve their sponsorship goals.

Teams were on the verge of signing these drivers after successful test sessions but were then told by Suzie Wolff: "You sign who I tell you."

[bockaaarck]

Sebring440 said:

bockaaarck said:

There’s the obvious drivers who are at the top of the pack in F1 Academy

The problem with the F1 Academy is that it's a PR stunt.

Many excellent British drivers had applied for the 2024 season and spent (lots) of money with teams on pre-season testing, having worked very hard to achieve their sponsorship goals.

Teams were on the verge of signing these drivers after successful test sessions but were then told by Suzie Wolff: "You sign who I tell you."

It doesn’t surprise me that there was a ‘bankable talent’ view (as in drivers that will bring fans and money) for the first season / seasons of F1 Academy. There naturally would be a commercial focus at the outset, perhaps more so than on finding new drivers with huge potential, which is unfortunate but as said, not a surprise.

Which drivers do you know of that teams were intending to sign but were dissuaded from doing so?

[shirt]

Sebring440 said:

The problem with the F1 Academy is that it's a PR stunt.

I tend to agree but for different reasons. I think that putting the same resources into developing a female wec star would actually result in its aim within a few years. I can’t see the same happening with single seaters. Yet f1 is the crown and endurance racing not well publicized enough for such a result to be seen as a decent endeavor.

[Dan BSCS]

shirt said:

I tend to agree but for different reasons. I think that putting the same resources into developing a female wec star would actually result in its aim within a few years. I can’t see the same happening with single seaters. Yet f1 is the crown and endurance racing not well publicized enough for such a result to be seen as a decent endeavor.

Have you not heard of the Iron Dames then?

[shirt]

Yes, met them and raced against them. Taken what, 12+ yrs to get their profile up to where it is now?

[GravelBen]

Rallying probably has a much higher proportion of female competitors, though more commonly codrivers than drivers.

[Truckosaurus]

The Iron Dames seem to always be up at the Sharp End, but their cars are noticeably short of adverts, so someone is bank rolling it for a vast amount.

The F1 Academy will always have the disadvantage of being dismissed by some for being women only, but if it gives drivers some experience they otherwise wouldn't get the budget for then that's all good. And single seater experience will be valuable as there's plenty of paying seats in sportscar racing compared to the single seater pyramid.

[coppice]

Away from the silly F1 bubble there are an increasing number of women in motorsport and in some disciplines , notably drag racing , they are very successful. I see lots of women and girls in British Grasstrack (a hugely spectacular sport off many people's radar) , and some in hillclimbing , historic racing and VSCC vintage trials .

[Sandpit Steve]

Well there’s a pole position for the Iron Dames in the Spa 6h GT class today, local Belgian Sarah Bovy setting the pace in qualifying against an almost all-male field behind. Along with Jamie Chadwick on the podium in the INdy Lights race yesterday, two great adverts for women in motorsport.

Edited by Sandpit Steve on Saturday 11th May 10:34

[bockaaarck]

Sandpit Steve said:

Well there’s a pole position for the Iron Dames in the Spa 6h GT class today, local Belgian Sarah Bovy setting the pace in qualifying against an almost all-male field behind. Along with Jamie Chadwick on the podium in the INdy Lights race yesterday, two great adverts for women in motorsport.

Edited by Sandpit Steve on Saturday 11th May 10:34

Abbi Pulling becoming the first woman to win a GB4 race today at Brands