The New Women-Only Single-Seater Race Series Is Dividing Opinion
The motorsport world’s newest single-seater racing series has just been announced. It’s called W Series, and there’s a crucial difference between it and other junior Formulas: the championship is exclusively for female entrants.
The series will be taking to tracks around Europe for the debut 2019 season, expanding to circuits elsewhere in the world in the years that follow. It’s also free to enter, so long as the entrant can pass a “Rigorous pre-selection programme/examination involving on-track testing, simulator appraisal, technical engineering tests, fitness trials,” the series organisers say.
So, getting a seat in one of the F3-spec cars will be based on driving talent and driving talent alone, without the ability to snare sponsorship being a factor. There’s also a $1.5 million prize pot for competitors, with the champion claiming a third of that.
However, the idea has dramatically split opinion in the racing world on the day of the announcement, with many from the sport - women racing drivers included - voicing support and concerns for the series.
The argument from many is that money and resources would be better spent on supporting female drivers struggling for funding in existing series. “Why waste money on a segregation? Invest in the already successful female racers that NEED the money,” multiple British GT winner and driver for The Grand Tour Abbie Eaton Tweeted, while IndyCar driver Pippa Mann - who’s written extensively about the subject of a women-only series before - said: “Help talented racers keep racing at appropriate levels for their experience, in real championships, where they can get real results.”
W Series claims that a large part of its mission is to get more women interested in entering the male-dominated sport in the first place. “At the heart of W Series’ DNA is the firm belief that women can compete equally with men in motorsport. However, an all-female series is essential in order to force greater female participation,” it says.
At this stage, it’s hard to predict how the concept will pan out. We’ll certainly be watching with interest.
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
They missed the opportunity to call it “Femula W”
Hahaha
One question, isn’t Car Throttle dominated by men? I think we need to open a woman only CT to encourage more female users, this is exactly what this W series is.
So formula racing is now free for women to enter, but men have to spend an arm and a leg to get anywhere near 🤔🤔🤔
Seems legit…
welcome to equality
Almost like equality has a different meaning depending on weather your a female or male driver 🤣
There is no such thing as a male car or a female car it’s a load of bull shit.
From what i see this could work if it’s only short term to introduce more women into professional racing, but SHORT TERM only as there is catching up to do
What if I identify as female, does that me I can participate?
Wait, the female-only series is free to enter, but the men have to hope for sponsors to get a drive? In what world is that fair?
Formula Juanita
Ok, this is causing a lot of controversy.
Women don’t have to have their own racing series, I’d bet you a woman with enough skill and practice can take on guys like Sebastian Vettel.
indeed
Announce a Women only series, and everybody cries about money not spent well. Announce a Men only series and watch the world burn.