The all-new single-seater series for women, W Series, has sparked a debate on whether or not this was the right thing to do.
It was announced yesterday that a single-seater series for women will be launched in a bid to help promote female drivers to F1. Participation in W Series does not require a sponsorship and the prize fund is worth $1.5m. The winner will get $500,000. The series will launch in 2019.
However, this move has split the opinion of female racing drivers, and other racing drivers. Here are what some of them said.
Jamie Chadwick: British F3 race winner and former British GT champion
Many divided opinions, but personally I feel that any additional opportunity to race is positive ✅ As long as I can continue to live my dream and fulfil my ambition to race at the highest level of motorsport, then I’m happy! 😃 https://t.co/M5ceEGKe7G
— Jamie Chadwick (@JamieChadwick) October 10, 2018
Alice Powell: former Formula Renault champion
Fully funded, same cars. A great opportunity for female drivers to try and make a step on the ladder and a leap into the sport. No worries about funding and getting the chance to compete in a sport that we love. #WSeries #RethinkRacing @WSeriesRacing https://t.co/aEVlAtr5Cv
— Alice Powell (@alicepowell) October 10, 2018
Damon Hill: former Formula 1 champion
Great big announcement. Big news for our sport. All the best to @therealdcf1 @TheBishF1 Adrian Newey and the W Series. Great opportunity for female aspiring racing drivers @D2BDofficial etc etc. #f1 https://t.co/gaeHb4rxgR
— Damon Hill (@HillF1) October 10, 2018
David Coulthard: Formula 1 race winner
This creates opportunity rather than taking it away and that’s why I believe it’s a day my sister Lynsay would have loved to be part of #ifyouwantafundamentalchangeintheoutcomeyouneedafundamentalchangeintheprocess https://t.co/XdFgYVOww5
— David Coulthard (@therealdcf1) October 10, 2018
Pippa Mann: IndyCar driver
What a sad day for motorsport. Those with funding to help female racers are choosing to segregate them as opposed to supporting them. I am deeply disappointed to see such a historic step backwards take place in my life time. https://t.co/8ZrKqaADwx
— Pippa Mann (@PippaMann) October 10, 2018
Sophia Floersch: Euro F3 driver
I agree with the arguments – but it totally disagree with the solution. Women need long term support and trustful partners. I want to compete with the best of our sport. Please compare it with economics: Do we need separate Women Management / Advisory Boards? No. Wrong way. https://t.co/91ThfcGJNX
— Sophia Floersch (@SophiaFloersch) October 10, 2018