Formula 1 has confirmed the details of a new all-female series, called F1 Academy, which aims to provide a platform for female drivers to develop their careers towards the top championship. of racing.
F1 has made it clear that the new series will not be seen as a rival to the existing all-female W Series, the league is struggling financially this year and has had to cancel the last three races. It is not yet clear if the W Series will continue into 2023 when the F1 Academy launches.
New series, first reported by ESPN in October, will see five teams run three cars in a seven-round schedule with three races in each lap. Only one lap is expected as part of the race package in support of the F1 weekend.
The series is being touted as a pathway for young motorsports to progress to the W Series, Formula 3 and Formula 2. It will use Formula 4 style cars with engines. brakes 165 hp, 95 hp less than the F3-style cars used in the W Series.
Participating teams will be existing F2 and F3 teams, with competitors needing to raise €150,000 for driving while F1 itself will subsidize each driver’s budget by an additional €150,000.
The series will be run by Bruno Michel, who also manages F3 and F2.
F1’s newsletter says the series is designed to fill a gap in experience many female drivers have before moving to F3.
“In assessing the hurdles young female drivers face when entering the F1 pyramid, it is clear that they do not have as much experience as their male counterparts of the same age,” the press release said. know. “The goal is to fill this void and give them access to more track, racing and testing time.”
F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali added: “Everybody should have the opportunity to follow their dreams and achieve their potential and Formula 1 wants to make sure we’re doing everything we can to create the kind of success we’ve got. more diversity and routes for this incredible sport,” he said.
“That’s why I’m excited to announce the F1 Academy will give young female drivers the best chance to realize their ambitions through a comprehensive program that supports their racing careers. and give them everything they need to move into F3 and hopefully F2 and then the pinnacle of Formula 1. The more opportunities the better and this is designed to provide another route to help the successful racer.”
W Series CEO Catherine Bond Muir has welcomed F1’s latest creation.
“The W Series created the first platform for women in motorsport, which has inspired young girls around the world since our first season in 2019. It is amazing to see this development as a result of our pioneering work,” she said in a statement.
“W Series welcomes any initiative that shares our ambition to give more opportunities to women in motorsport. Our goal from the very beginning has always been to strengthen the team. talented female racer and adding the F1 Academy at the heart of the W Series and other series is a step further in inspiring the next generation to move up the motorsport ladder.
“We look forward to finalizing the W Series’ plans for 2023 and beyond, delivering exciting and entertaining races to fans around the world. Our mission remains very clear: giving female drivers a platform to race globally at the pinnacle of women’s motorsport, and in doing so, continue to spread our message even wider.”
