F1 News: Female-First Initiative Introduced To Sport - "For The Next Generation Of Young Female Drivers"

The all-women category which will bring more women into motorsport.

A new initiative to bring more women into motorsport has been revealed as the F1 Academy. 

Taking to Twitter, F1 Academy posted an explanation of the initiative. They posted:

"F1 Academy is a new all-women category preparing drivers for elite competition.

"Our car will have a standardised chassis with a turbo-charged engine, delivering 165 horsepower.

"15 drivers and 5 teams will take on 21 races across 7 events.

"We aim to enable aspiring female drivers to fulfil their potential, preparing them technically, physically and mentally.

"F1 Academy creates a new avenue for the next generation of young female drivers."

F1 Academy... Explained 🔎#F1Academy pic.twitter.com/GFt9ocmrSL

— F1 Academy (@f1academy) February 1, 2023

The F1 Academy will consist of 5 teams with three cars each, so fifteen drivers in total. They will compete in 21 races within 7 events each year and at least one of those will be in a Formula 1 weekend. The drivers' will be racing in 4 cylinder, turbocharged cars with a standardised chassis which will produce 165 bhp and will feature 13 inch Pirelli tyres.

The idea is to give women a route to reach higher levels of racing including F3, F2, and F1, by giving the drivers' a chance to learn how to prepare technically, physically, and mentally alongside established teams. It will also give the women significant testing and track time to aid their development. 

They have also already revealed the first driver to join the academy, Swiss driver Lena Buhler, who will be competing for ART Grand Prix. 

BREAKING: Lena Buhler takes the first of fifteen spots on the F1 Academy grid! 🙌

The Swiss driver will compete for @ARTGP ✨#F1Academy pic.twitter.com/Rrtht3UIxM

— F1 Academy (@f1academy) February 2, 2023

This comes after the W Series, the all-female motorsport series, was cancelled after losing funding. Doing more for women in motorsport is a huge focus at the moment, with former driver Susie Wolff introducing the 'Dare to be Different' initiative, which offer schoolgirls the opportunity to take part in motorsport activities. Wolff was recently awarded the Sir Malcolm Campbell Memorial Trophy for her work within motorsport to promote diversity.

Thank you @ourmotorsportuk 🙏🏻 https://t.co/ZkBUqGOzfT

— Susie Wolff (@Susie_Wolff) January 30, 2023

It just goes to show, despite what Business F1 Magazine states, women don't have to take their tops off to get further in motorsport.