Driving Change: F1 Academy’s Trials, Tribulations and Triumphs
The asphalt will bear witness to the final race of the season for F1 Academy this weekend and the crowning of its first champion. F1 Academy, the phoenix that emerged from the ashes of W Series, has certainly faced its fair share of difficulties to overcome, persevering through its rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs but rounding off the season having secured broadcasting rights to their races.
The story of F1 Academy traces back to the twists and turns of W Series. In 2019, the all-female championship debuted as a part of the DTM support bill, igniting hopes. Yet the road was far from smooth. The pandemic’s shadow cast uncertainty, leading to the cancellation of the 2020 season. Even with Formula 1’s backing in 2021, financial hurdles loomed large, culminating in W Series’ premature end in 2022. Talks of revival fell silent, and the future seemed uncertain. But where one chapter ends, another begins. At the end of 2022, Formula 1 unveiled their initiative — F1 Academy. This all-female feeder series, a collaborative effort between five teams in Formula 2 and Formula 3, marked a significant step forward. Fifteen talented drivers found their platform, their chance to shine in the male-dominated arena of motorsport.
The wheels of change spun slowly, and challenges mounted. One such hurdle was the lack of live broadcasting and the availability of full race footage at the start of the year. The excitement for the series dampened quickly as fans who wanted to watch the series had to settle for live timings and highlights packages. It also sparked questions about the intent behind the feeder series—how can women be inspired if they can’t watch the races?
But the metamorphosis was more than just a change in name. F1 Academy has announced its final race will be shown live, with 18 international broadcasters providing live coverage across the weekend. The series has also revealed a bold calendar, stretching across seven events, out of which four will be taking place in the Middle East, all featuring alongside the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends. This move is pivotal for both exposure and sponsorship.
In a statement, Managing Director of F1 Academy, Susie Wolff said, “This calendar cements our ambition to become a truly global series, expanding our reach and improving visibility for our mission.
“We want to inspire young girls and women across the globe and show them that there’s a place for them in our sport, and racing alongside F1 will help us achieve this.”
Additionally, all ten teams in Formula 1 have agreed to nominate a driver each who will also run their livery in the series next year. This is a significant step in fortifying the partnership between the junior series and Formula One. Bianca Bustamante was the first to be announced, with the Filipina racing driver set to represent Mclaren along with ART Grand Prix next season. More drivers are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
In the final round of the season, three drivers, representing three different teams, are set to fight for F1 Academy’s debut championship. There is a maximum of 67 points to race for. Championship leader Marta García is in pole position for Race 1, with the Spaniard ahead of Lena Buhler by 48 points, and Hamda Al Qubaisi by 56 points.
Amidst the F1 Academy whirlwind, other women have also made their mark in Formula racing. Sophia Floersch clinched her first points in Formula 3 at the Austrian Grand Prix and became the first female to do so, and Jessica Hawkins grabbed the wheel of the AMR21 to become the first female F1 test driver in five years. Nonetheless, amid these triumphs, questions linger in the air. How could this newfound momentum be harnessed to promote female drivers further up the ladder? How could their talents be showcased to attract more sponsors, more broadcasters, and more opportunities? The journey of F1 Academy, though promising, has hurdles yet to overcome.
As the final engines fall silent and the Austin dust settles, F1 Academy stands as a beacon of change in the world of motorsport. While the season may have concluded, the echoes of these formidable transformations reverberate, promising a future where the racetrack knows no gender boundaries. The resounding roar of these talented women, coupled with the support of a global audience, signifies not just a series but a movement—a movement towards a future where gender is no barrier to the lightning speed, skill, and triumphs that define the essence of racing.
