Working in motorsports is a challenge for women, whether you dream of being an engineer, a strategist, working in the media, or in the driver’s seat itself. The barriers to entry for a sport like Formula 1 are already so high, with junior programmes and academies being exorbitant and highly selective, but what makes it an even bigger issue for women is that there aren’t enough opportunities for young girls to compete in junior racing, seeing as go-karting teams typically disregard their talent and capabilities. However, F1’s latest series, F1 Academy, hopes to change this to make motorsports a more inclusive space for young girls to chase their dreams. 

Advancing Female Drivers’ Careers

Spain’s Marta Garcia won the inaugural season of F1 Academy last year, and following her victory, she was able to secure a seat in the Formula Regional European Championship with Alpine (FRECA), a racing series that is infamous for producing drivers who eventually break into F1. This will be a huge step in her career and will help her build the foundations needed for a higher level of professional racing.

Bianca Bustamante is another example of how the F1 Academy has helped young women make substantial strides in their careers. After competing in the 2023 F1 Academy season, she managed to join the McLaren Driver Development Programme, making her the first woman ever to join this prestigious programme that helps young drivers build relationships with the infamous team. 

The Impact of F1 Academy on Motorsports 

The establishment of the F1 Academy has had a huge impact on racing, especially when it comes to the fanbase. Motorsports is generally regarded as a 'man’s sport’, and female drivers and fans are often not taken seriously. However, according to research published last year, in the last five years, 40% of new fans are women. By creating an all-female racing championship, not only are they giving incredibly talented young women driving opportunities, but they are also proving to young girls that they play an important role in the sport and that their opinions and actions matter.