Despite Lewis Hamilton’s Relentless Efforts to Uplift Women, Red Bull Legend Exposes the Ugly Side of F1

It is no secret that Formula 1 remains an ‘only male’ sport. This daunting reality feels like a setback in a world where representation is being pushed. The most successful man in the sport, Lewis Hamilton, has been a vocal proponent of aiding all kinds of diversity when it comes to the sport. And despite all of this, he remains the only black driver and there are still no women in the sport. And someone from the rival camp, Red Bull, has highlighted why that is.

Formula 1 Academy was set up with Susie Wolff at its helm. While that step is applauded worthy, it comes almost 7 decades after the core sport. But more importantly, one should know that a women’s racing series called the W series was already in place but it couldn’t continue and last year when Jamie Chadwick was declared the winner, the series was disbanded three races early. Talking to Eddie Jordan, David Coulthard tells the listeners of the Formula for Success podcast the real reason.

Coulthard said, “I was involved in helping support the founders. What was disappointing for me, after all of their efforts and all of their blood, sweat, and tears, and financial investments, a lot of companies that invest in motor sports currently talk about diversity and inclusion—they don’t actually put money where their mouth is. Hopefully, that will change over time. For now, it looks like that chapter has closed.”

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While David did remember to mention the contributions of the likes of Jamie Chadwick and Naomi Schiff, it wasn’t too long ago the latter was bullied for being an F1 presenter for the Sky team.

When Lewis Hamilton spoke up to safeguard F1 insiders from racism and sexism

When Naomi Schiff arrived at the F1 circus as a part of the Sky team, a lot of viewers began looking at her from a racist and sexist lens. Seeing this, Hamilton came out to tell the world that “Naomi is an ex-professional racing driver & totally qualified” and this kindness and vocal support was highlighted by Schiff as a very important step.

And Schiff hasn’t forgotten this. Givemesport.com recently quoted her as saying, “It’s super important for all of us to have male allies at the top of the sport. I feel very, very lucky to have Lewis as an ally while going through my journey in this industry. It’s incredibly valuable.” Hamilton has quickly become more than just a valuable ally for the presenter, too. “I obviously really look up to him and I think he’s not just an incredible athlete but an incredible human and I think he has a lot to offer in terms of advice and support. He’s amazing.”

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Do you think we will see a woman race in Formula 1 soon enough?