$2.44 Million F1 Masterstroke Brings Arch Rivals Lewis Hamilton and Christian Horner Together

Just imagine Lewis Hamilton competing beside a female driver. There could not be a more significant event for the seven-time champion, who has always utilized his position to further social causes and gender equality. However, we might need to wait for a little while for that to happen in Formula 1. But this is a very real possibility, especially with the new F1 Academy in the works. In light of this, Red Bull Team Principle Christian Horner has come out to give a statement that may put the rivalry to an end and the two opposing teams could work towards a common purpose.

At the conclusion of the 2022 season in Abu Dhabi, Formula 1 unveiled a program, which was designed to encourage more young women to participate in motorsport and provide them the opportunity to advance toward F1. There are seven venues staging three races each this year. Five existing F2 and F3 teams, including ART Grand Prix, Campos Racing, Carlin, MP Motorsport, and Prema Racing, will participate in this new competition. This year’s program will get an investment of $2.44 million.

Red Bull Boss supports the plan. As quoted by F1, Christian Horner said, “I think it’s a good thing for F1 to be getting involved in. It’s great to see more and more women coming into the sport and at all levels, as a driver, a designer… we see more women up and down the paddock now, in technical functions, operational roles.”

“I think it’s all about inclusiveness, and I think it’s great. I think that there’s such interest from youngsters as well, with such a young female [audience] that are following Formula 1 now.”

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Since 2005, Horner has served as team principal of Red Bull, and after such a lengthy and successful career, the top man in Formula One is well aware of what it takes to succeed.

Christian Horner is Keen to support young female drivers to reach Formula 1

The man who himself, propelled talent from the Red Bull junior driver program into the highest tier of racing in the form of Daniel Ricciardo, Sebastian Vettel, and Max Verstappen undoubtedly has an understanding of what it takes to get there.

The W series’ rise had impressed the Red Bull Team Boss, and the Briton also credited Netflix’s hit show Drive to Survive for encouraging young ladies to pursue Formula 1.

Speaking with Racingnews365.com, Horner said, ” I think W Series is a great initiative, It’s still very young, it’s evolving. What really needs to happen is more girls coming into the grassroots of racing, and I think – as we see things like the Netflix effect, that it’s had on the sport.”

As with many of the great talents the team has created in the past, they are prepared to advance another in the future, Horner added, “As far as Red Bull’s involvement [goes], we’ve sponsored girls and backed girls in the past, and will do again in the future. It’s just a matter of identifying, through our scouting systems, the talent that we want to support.”

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Formula 1 is expanding and wants to have diversity in sports. After spending many years at the pinnacle of motorsport, Christian Horner can be the right individual to hire a young female F1 driver soon. Do you think the sport will soon welcome its first female driver?