F1 Academy, established by FOM, was created to increase diversity in motorsport. The goal of F1 Academy is to develop and prepare female drivers for the final stage of motor racing. The CEO of the program was appointed to devise a plan to achieve this goal. However, the reigning champion criticized the series for the below-average quality of its cars.
Last year, the W-Series was replaced by the new and successful F1 Academy. This platform provided female drivers with the opportunity to showcase their skills in a sport dominated by men. However, Max Verstappen shattered the illusion of this exclusively female series by stating that the cars lack speed and do not offer any significant value to female drivers.
Verstappen’s critique is based on the fact that F1 Academy cars have only 174 horsepower, which is only slightly more powerful than a F4 challenger. This performance difference raises concerns about the future of the series, as there is no next step for these drivers. Academy drivers cannot make a seamless transition to driving an F1 car and meeting its demands.
Although Verstappen has been a long-time supporter of the exclusively female racing series, he no longer sees benefits for female drivers in its current state. In light of this, the 26-year-old driver proposed a solution that aligns with his interest in simulator racing. Verstappen believes that simulator racing offers female drivers the opportunity to showcase their true potential.
When Verstappen is not competing in the real world, he engages in simulator racing. He believes that this alternative can help female drivers attract attention in the market and increase their chances of securing a valued position in the motorsport ladder.
Despite the existence of such programs, there is still a long way to go before we witness a female pilot competing in F1. However, there have been discussions in the paddock suggesting that this possibility may become a reality in the coming years.
