Often lost in the sexist claims directed at the motorsport for the use of grid girls is the fact that the sport is one of the few in which men and women can compete on an equal basis in the same category.
This gender equality is rare among other sports that divide into men’s and women’s categories. And women are competing in motorsport categories on a more regular basis, though opportunities are hard to come by.
It’s prompted Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone to suggest the creation of a women’s world championship to run alongside Formula One.
“For some reason, women are not coming through – and not because we don’t want them,” said Ecclestone.
“Of course we do, because they would attract a lot of attention and publicity and probably a lot of sponsors.
“We have to start somewhere so I suggested to the teams that we have a separate championship and maybe that way, we will be able to bring someone through to F1.
“They could race before the main event, or perhaps on the Saturday qualifying day so that they had their own interest.
“It is only a thought at the moment but I think it would be super for F1 and the whole grand prix weekend.”
Ecclestone hasn’t been very enlightened with his comments regarding women in motorsport in the past. But his idea has some merit and could be the way to truly encourage more women into racing.
With Susie Wolff and Carmen Jorda in test-driver roles this season and female drivers currently competing in IndyCar and NASCAR, a female Formula One series would give these talented drivers a chance to race on the world stage.
But as Wolff suggests, such a series could create a further gender divide and a move away from motorsport’s equal opportunity.
“I am aware that people are looking at different avenues but for me, that’s not the right direction at all,” said the Williams test driver.
“First of all, I don’t know where you’d find a full grid of female drivers who are good enough.
“Secondly, I have raced my whole career in motorsport as a normal competitor. Why would I ever look for a race where I was only competing against women?”
If Formula One was to create a female-only series, then it needs to keep the rules open for women to race against men in the current category, rather than segregate once and for all. And if the women’s series can help promote and develop female drivers, then it should be encouraged and developed.
Ecclestone is renowned for his out-there ideas. Remember his suggestion for Formula One to do away with championship points and hand out gold, silver and bronze medals for the podium getters?
But the women’s series has merit, so long as it’s not for segregation but rather development purposes.
Let’s hope this is one Ecclestone idea that he acts on.
Five-years is a long time in motorsport, let alone the general state of the world – especially given the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic…
Red Bull and Max Verstappen vaulted right back to the top of the charts with a win in Suzuka, after his DNF in Melbourne.
Japan Grand Prix has been the most entertaining of the season to date, but Max Verstappen was back to his winning ways.
This season is only four races old, but Fernando Alonso needs to decide on his future beyond this year sooner rather than later. Formula…
It’s a pretty good time to be a Tasmanian sports fan right now. After years in the sporting wilderness with not much to celebrate,…
The question remains where the Australian Grand Prix winner will be in 2025 and whether it’ll be somewhere his value can truly be appreciated.
