After Jamie Chadwick claimed her second consecutive title at COTA last weekend, the W series quickly came under the spotlight. While the series gives women their chance in single-seaters, it’s time we see more representation in the premier class. Scuderia Ferrari driver, Charles Leclerc, shared his opinions on having women in F1.
Charles Leclerc voiced, “I would be very happy to see a girl in F1. Not just because she is a girl, but because she is talented enough.”
An important voice in for the right cause, Leclerc counted on the sport for a change. “I think there will be some very talented women who could be in Formula 1 in the next few years.”
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Last week thanks to @PUMA I had the opportunity to meet @Carlossainz55 and @Charles_Leclerc 🤗❤️ Thanks guys for the tips ! Was a pleasure! pic.twitter.com/bUqbwYq8Jj
— Marta García (@martaracing) October 29, 2021
The weekend in Austin also saw Danica Patrick on the paddock, another pioneer for women in motorsport. Danica took over the press conferences; however, her presence and knowledge only highlighted the salient absence of women in F1.
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Albeit late, the conversation has begun. Leclerc‘s contribution to the conversation is important; not only to show support to the women in the sport but to help open the gates of opportunity for the same.
Charles Leclerc one of a growing circle
Leclerc is not the only one hoping to see this change in the sport. F1’s trailblazer for change, Lewis Hamilton, also shared his support for the W series at the United States GP.
Looks like we have a new fan…
Thanks for your support, @LewisHamilton 🙏 #WSeries pic.twitter.com/4QbdGZlkBM
— W Series (@WSeriesRacing) October 22, 2021
It’s good to have the support of the more well-known stars, as the support doesn’t go unnoticed by the women in the sport. Double champion, Jamie Chadwick commented, “To have Lewis promote the series and give some nice words of support to all of us is amazing… He is the greatest of all time so to have something like him watch over the pit wall and take a cool video is really nice. We hugely appreciate his support and kind words.”
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𝗪 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭 🏆
These incredible drivers have provided us with eight incredible races this year 🙌
They have all shown determination, professionalism, strength, focus and skill. We can't wait to see what they do next year.#WSeries | #C4Sport pic.twitter.com/F9N8HUpAKS
— Channel 4 Sport (@C4Sport) October 26, 2021
Drivers like Jamie Chadwick, Sabre Cook, Alice Powell, and Marta Garcia are immensely talented and have a growing name in the sport. It’s time Formula 1 gave them the recognition they deserve. As Cook had said, “I want the attention to be on how I drive, not what gender I am or how I look.”
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With the passion being the same, and talent being equal, it would be revolutionary to see at least one woman in an F1 car. In Will Buxton’s predictions for 2025, he hoped to see Chadwick in an F1 monocoque, driving for Williams. Hopefully, it will be a sight we see soon.
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