Phoenix, November 18, 2022 — Formula One announced today that it is set to launch an all-female driver category called F1 Academy in 2023. Its purpose will be to develop and prepare young female drivers to progress to higher levels of competition – including Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3 and W Series.
See release here: https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.formula-1-announces-f1-academy-a-new-all-female-driver-series-for-2023.6EAcJceyDTqjKkMcPMwk9e.html
Women in Motorsports NA (WIMNA) co-founder Lyn St James said:
“Anything that provides an opportunity for women to get more racing experience is a good thing. Formula 1 is one of the most difficult levels of motorsports to reach, and the learning process and experience required is critical. It’s great to see the leadership of Formula 1 acknowledge the importance of women in their diversity initiatives by being proactive.”WIMNA Co-Founder Beth Paretta said:
“So pleased to see this initiative from F1 to provide opportunity for women to develop skills on the ladder to reach the top levels of motorsport. Creating a race season with adequate testing days is key, so I am especially glad to see that in the schedule from the start. Growing our sport is key to growing our audience, and this is an exciting step forward.”
The goal of WIMNA is to encourage, support and mentor more women to pursue careers in motorsport, educate about the sport and the types of careers that can be found, communicate how the motorsports industry can better reach, encourage and attract women to roles, as well as advocate and inspire more programs be created. Additionally, WIMNA is a 501(c)3 public charity and supports scholarships, mentorship programs and internships for women.
For more news and details, please see www.WomenInMotorsportsNA.com.
ABOUT WOMEN IN MOTORSPORTS N.A.
Women in Motorsports North America is a community of professionals devoted to supporting opportunities for women across all disciplines of motorsport by creating an inclusive, resourceful environment to foster mentorship, advocacy, education, and growth, thereby ensuring the continued strength and successful future of our sport.
Media contact:
Barbara Burns, for WIMNA
barbara@burnsgrouppr.com, +1 770 329 7134