F1 Academy strengthens commitment to female drivers with key development partnership

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

The F1 Academy has reinforced its dedication to introducing a female driver to the Formula 1 grid, highlighting its partnership with the More Than Equal motorsport program. Launched in 2023, the F1 Academy is a female-only Formula 4-level feeder series spearheaded by former F1 and Williams test driver Susie Wolff.

More Than Equal, a fully funded development and research initiative, creates personalized programs to support and elevate female drivers through the motorsport ranks. The program was founded by former F1 driver David Coulthard, who had previous involvement with the W Series, and entrepreneur Karel Komárek.

On Thursday, Susie Wolff, who recently joined the advisory board, expressed the significance of this partnership: “More Than Equal is fueling meaningful progress with insightful, industry-leading research. By coming together, and with the committed support of More Than Equal, we will be an even stronger force for positive change in motorsport -- with action, not just words.”

Wolff emphasized the mutual commitment to fostering female talent in motorsport, mentioning that the collaboration provides both the structure and resources needed for long-term change. More Than Equal’s head of research, Dr. Fran Longstaff, added, “If we want to see real change in female participation at the highest levels of motorsport, we need to take an evidence-based approach. Our research will provide the data and insights needed to shape effective talent development strategies, ensuring female drivers have the right support structures in place to succeed.”

The effectiveness of such programs is exemplified by Britain's Abbi Pulling, who secured the F1 Academy title last year, earning a fully-paid season in the British GB3 junior series with Rodin Motorsport. This development partnership aims to nurture more talents like Pulling, paving the way for women in Formula 1.

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