Female Race Car Drivers: Do They Deserve More Respect?
It has been more than 50 years since a woman has been in Formula 1. F1 has been a male-dominated sport so which leads to the stereotype that women just aren’t capable enough to improve their performance to be a driver.
For women and girls who want to make it to the top, the ones who are determined to achieve their dreams, don’t have the same support from the public as men often do. They don’t receive the same opportunities in sponsorships and funding. F1 is looking for skilled drivers who show resilience, a capable car, and a team that collaborates and communicates clearly.
As women are driving, the attention always seems to be shifting from what they are capable of to their appearance. When the media did feature girls, it was often about what they did outside of driving and what they looked like instead of talking about their passion and knowledge for what they do. It can impact confidence, possible sponsorships, and discourage other women from trying to participate.
F1 Claims They Accept Anyone No Matter Their Gender. So, Why Are Women Not Yet Seen?
Formula 1 claims that they are an equal and diverse community, yet the public still hasn’t seen many females in the driver’s seat. Many believe that women have the ability to go far in F1 if they were given the training, opportunities, and support. Forbes states, “There are obvious physical reasons why men and women don’t compete directly against each other in many sports. But motor racing is not one of them. There’s no anatomical difference stopping women from beating men when driving a car round a track.”
More Than Equal is an organization founded by a former Formula 1 driver, David Coulthard. This organization is working to find the first female F1 world champion. They give the training women need to excel in this sport. From cars, classes, and sponsorships, it provides an inclusive and supportive environment that shows girls what they can really do.
The women in the community not only deserve respect for what they are doing, but also the hard work and effort they have put into their dream of being in the driver’s seat in Formula 1 Racing.
Regardless of gender, all should be recognized for their abilities and achievements. Diversity is a beautiful thing that fosters inclusivity. In November of 2024, Formula 1 and its 10 teams signed a Diversity and Inclusion Charter. F1 is currently working on implementing fairness to their races that incorporates all genders and races from all around the world.
Works Cited
BBC Newsround. “What are ‘Grid Girls’?” BBC Newsround, 20 Oct. 2017, https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/videos/cgr90y5p0z8o.
BBC Sport. “Why It’s So Hard for Women to Reach the Top of Motorsport.” BBC Sport, 7 July 2023, https://www.bbc.com/sport/motorsport/66116141.
“Beyond the Grid: Women and the Misconceptions in the F1 Community – Part 1.” Medium, by Natasha Narrates, 14 Dec. 2023, https://medium.com/@natashanarrates/beyond-the-grid-women-and-the-misconceptions-in-the-f1-community-part-1-4a4be18bf7d5.
More than Equal. MorethanEqual.com, https://www.morethanequal.com/.