An ongoing debate in the crazy world of Formula One has always been about the sport embracing female drivers on to the gird.
Recently F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has suggested the possible idea of the FIA creating a separate all women’s championship, however some women in motorsports like the idea however some are not as keen on the idea, such as young British MSA driver Louise Richardson, who believes F1 is ready for a female driver however she believes there isn’t a women who is currently good enough to make the colossal step up into the world of F1.
“It needs to be someone who gets there on merit” said Richardson
“They’ll need to be the full, perfect package to make the right impression in Formula 1 and to do well and to prove that women can be just as good (as men). I think Formula 1 is ready for a female, but whether there are any females good enough who are close I am not 100 per cent sure about.”
The 22-year-old British born racer followed in the footsteps of her father and brother into the world of racing and has spent most of her career competing against men, and she feels that a women’s championship could be a step backwards for the sport and Ecclestone.
“Personally I find it a bit demeaning, because since I started racing I’ve been out there fighting with boys and trying to prove that I am just as good as them and that I’m equal. It is great that he is trying to give all women a bit of edge to try to make it to Formula 1, but I don’t really like the idea and I think he might annoy a few women around the world if it does get introduced.” Explained Richardson.
On the other hand, Lotus F1 team’s new female development driver, Carmen Jorda agrees with Bernie Ecclestone and backs the idea of an all women’s F1 world championship.
“I think he is right, it could be a good idea to have a women’s series” said Jorda
“I’ve been racing since l was 12 and for many years l have seen women try to make it to the top but nobody has done it. So why not give it a try?”
Jorda hasn’t yet stepped into the Lotus F1 car however she is hopeful she will make an appearance in a practice session before the curtain falls on the F1 season.
“I am doing a lot of work in the simulator at Enstone and here at the track,” she said. “There is so much more technology in F1 and everything is bigger, so there is so much to learn. My goal this season is to get into the E23 maybe in a couple of months. We need to be ready – we are planning to do at least 20 days in the simulator before I get in the car.”
The last women to race in F1 was Lella Lombardi, the Italian stepped into a Formula One car 12 times in her career the last being in 1976, just under 40 years ago.
Images courtesy of: Williams F1 Team and Lotus F1 Team
