Are F1 Academy and previous WSeries mutually compatible? Such point of discussion remains part of a broader perspective on the development and progression of Women in Motorsport – specifically the all-female grid line-up in F1 Academy which opens at Formula One, Round Two at Jeddah on March 7-9.
Most certainly, the demise of WSeries part way through 2022 season was un-nerving for the female driver’s who had gained an enormous opportunity to increase their racing skills, knowledge, and technical intel across WSeries seasons: 2019, 2021, and 2022.
Yet, from an alternative perspective, the in-roads WSeries achieved, elevating women to compete in the formula-regional Series which started as support category in DTM Series in 2019-2021, sky-rocketed to new heights, racing as support classification within selected Formula One Rounds in 2022.
The consequences of the progressive nature of WSeries, including navigating the non-racing season of 2020 due to COVID, has undoubtedly raised the professional profiles of all women over the 3 seasons, acting as precursor on what has occurred next for each driver.
Take a look at the facts: British driver Jamie Chadwick won WSeries Championship 3x, making the next move key to sustaining upward trajectory for her racing career. The subsequent move to race America’s Indy NXT Series with Andretti Racing made most of an opportunity to extend her portfolio across formula categories.
Major decisions were on the table for the remaining driver’s, buoyed by the announcement of F1 Academy inaugural season in 2023. Of course, financials were source of negotiation with F1 Academy requiring driver’s to provide €150,000 to race which has been reduced to €100,000 for 2024. A far cry from WSeries, which provided all 18 driver’s all-expenses paid through-out the Championship, including a whooping prize-money pool of US$1.5 million per season.
Moving forward was inevitable with total of 5 women from WSeries 2022 gaining race-seats in F1 Academy Series 2023. And, the shift-up-a-gear produced astounding results. Spanish driver Marta Garcia who finished P6 in WSeries won F1 Academy 2023 Championship on debut. Fellow national driver, Nerea Marti, who finished P7 in WSeries 2022 completed F1 Academy season in P4.
The following 4 driver’s from WSeries 2022 have achieved more than could have been predicted, not only all 4 finishing in the top 10 in F1 Academy 2023, but also securing confirmations to race in the new season. British driver Abbi Pulling secured P4 in F1 Academy 2023 and has subsequently locked in racing with Rodin Motorsport for this season. And, American Chloe Chambers, who finished WSeries 2022 in P16, has secured race seat in F1 Academy 2024 season, with Campos Racing.
If WSeries pushed the initiative to gain sponsor endorsement of Team driver’s in 2022, F1 Academy has re-established the principle of thought with the announcement that Formula One Teams would nominate one driver in the F1 Academy Series, 2024.
Such a bold move has reverberated amongst the elite of Formula Teams, with the highest profile Brands confirming women driver’s as representative’s heading into 2024 season. Top of the list is Bianca Bustamante, who not only rose in status from finishing WSeries 2022 in P15 to taking 4 podiums – including 2 wins in F1 Academy 2023 – securing premier place in McLaren’s Junior Driver programme, along with representing the Brand this season.
And, Dutch driver Emely du Hues has completed Red Bull’s procurement of 3 females racing F1 Academy 2024 with MP Motorsport. Representing Red Bull along with joining their Academy programme, Emely represents the sheer scope and scale of career progression that has taken place – from finishing WSeries 2022 in P17 to racing F1 Academy 2024 with Red Bull support – has to be worth celebrating in the present, and for the new season ahead.
F1 Academy Opening Round Formula One Jeddah March 7 – 9
Words: Sharon Cox.
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