In the race towards progress in motorsports, the F1 Academy debuts its 2024 season grid lineup, embracing gender equality and aiming to inspire young women to participate in motorsports.
Launched in 2023, the F1 Academy is a pioneering all-female series aimed to increase the participation of women in a male-dominated sport. The academy is designed to nurture and teach aspiring female drivers with skills that will transition them to the higher levels of motorsport, which includes Formula 3, Formula 2, and Formula 1.
“I believe that this academy will positively impact the way we see Formula One drivers as it can prove that female drivers are able to compete at a level comparable to the mens,” said avid Formula 1 fan, Owee Angeles ’26.
Making history as one of the first women in Formula One to take part in the 2014 British Grand Prix race, Susie Wolff is set to direct the academy and aims to propel women’s inclusion in the sport.
According to Wolff, this marks a pivotal moment for women in Formula One. Not only has F1 been considered a male-dominated sport, with the rising impact of the academy and their efforts to increase female participation in motorsports, but their growing platform also has yet to inspire more and more young women to embark on their journeys revolving around the sport and other male-dominated sport as well.
In this 2024 season, there will be a total of seven weekends dedicated to the races through the span of seven different countries, including Saudi Arabia, Spain, and even the US.
As for the 2024 season lineup, nine drivers have returned to the series, some of which include Bianca Bustamente, Abbi Pulling, Carrie Schreiner, and Jessica Edgar. Additionally, the academy has six new faces joining, including Lia Block, Chloe Chambers, and Maya Weug.
Signifying a turning point for women throughout Formula 1 history, the progression of the F1 Academy indicates the ongoing dedication and hard work of those who have been wanting to reach this opportunity for years. Initiating efforts to inspire a new era of racing, this new generation is sure to break down previous barriers regarding gender equality that had previously prevented women in the past.
“In the future, I hope to see the sport become just as popular among women as it is among men,” said Dito.
“Simply seeing other women in the space makes it more accessible, so the more women who are willing to brave that initial experience in a male-dominated sport, the more women will see it as a space for them as well,” stated science teacher Julia Stricker-Balistreri.
The launch of the F1 Academy represents a significant leap toward gender equality in motorsports, providing a much needed platform for aspiring female drivers to showcase their talent and passion. By nurturing young women in this competitive environment, the academy not only aims to elevate their skills, but also seeks to change perceptions within the sport. As seen through the voices of fans and participants, this initiative inspires hope and possibility, encouraging future generations to pursue their dreams in a field that has long been dominated by men. The road ahead is promising, and as the season unfolds, it will inspire a new wave of talent in women’s motorsports.
