Formula 1 is planning to launch its own female-only championship, though it won’t be a direct competitor to the W Series.
As reported by Motorsport.com, F1 will launch its own female-only championship as early as next year, and Formula 4 cars will be used, with a grid of teams that are already involved in the Formula 2 and Formula 3 series. The aim of the series is to involve young drivers, 16 years and older.
“We are committed to ensuring greater opportunity for talented women drivers to progress and reach top levels,” the source reports an F1 spokesperson said.
The W Series is undergoing a series of financial challenges, and its future is unclear. However, if the championship survives, it would run alongside F1’s project, since it features faster cars and older drivers.
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton spoke out last Thursday, suggesting Formula 1 could have financially helped the W Series.
“With the organization, with Formula 1 and Liberty [Media, F1’s owners] doing so well, it was not a lot for them to be able to help out in that space.”
