Big Boost for Women in Motorsports as Brand New Initiative Opens Pathways to an F1 Drive

With conversations of seeing women racing in an F1 car increase, the FIA Commission for Women in Motorsports requested the Federation to ensure that women compete against the men in the premier class. As the W series champion, Jamie Chadwick, leaves her series looking for something more, an F3 seat seems like a good way to start.

Michèle Mouton, the President of the FIA Commission, is looking forward to seeing Chadwick in the feeder series. Mouton also added that she disagrees with the W series’ aim. “I do not agree with the goal and with bringing together only women because the only way to get promoted is to fight with the best drivers.”

With the current layout of the series, Mouron believes it’s “too late” for the drivers to secure an F1 seat. “It’s good to see women driving, but if you look at the time and what they can do, it’s not enough. You have to ride with the best to see where you have to go. For now, it’s fun, since they have nothing to pay, they see them and the promotion is good, it is a good show.”

Proposing a better situation, the President added, “If it’s just a category, it doesn’t help, but if it becomes a platform like we do with Rising Star, once they select you, you get promoted, it would be fantastic.”

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Concluding her stance on the subject, Mouton added, “If they don’t have to pay and they drive for free, they drive during Formula 1 weekends and also, the winner goes to F3, then I would join them. My opinion is quite clear regarding that.”

Jamie Chadwick focused on F1 seat

With two titles to her name, Jamie Chadwick has proven that she deserves a place in the premier class. However, for now, it only remains a dream. “(It’s) still the ultimate goal. Still a lot that I need to achieve before I can get there, but it definitely feels a step closer after this weekend.”

Having done her part in the W series, Chadwick is ready for more. “I feel like I’ve achieved what I can achieve in the series and I want to use the platform it’s given me to go on to bigger and different things.”

A necessary conversation to start and who better to put into the mix than a champion herself? Surely, it won’t be long before we see Chadwick in an F1 monocoque.

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