The cacophony and uproar from Formula One fans over social media when a pay-driver like Pastor Maldonado gets a seat at a better team over a ‘more talented’ driver such as Nico Hulkenberg, what about when a driver gets a role within a Formula One team, solely because their partner was a shareholder within the team? – indeed, I am referring to Susie Wolff.
It reminds me of playing Sunday league football as a youngster, when the ‘dad-manager’ always chooses their child to play striker, despite not having much talent for the role.
I explain why Susie Wolff potentially quitting Formula One is good for the sport.
Recently, Wolff told American broadcaster CNN she won’t wait forever for a chance in Formula One and will decide on her future
“I can’t wait on the sidelines forever for my chance,” Wolff told a special “Women in F1” edition of CNN’s The Circuit.
“There doesn’t seem to be many opportunities for next year to get onto the grid. This is going to be a winter of reflection because either it happens or it doesn’t.”
Before anyone calls me sexist, I am all for women in Formula One, however, all drivers should be judged equally, on their racing record through various categories, the races they have won and the championships they have achieved. Quite frankly, Susie Wolff’s racing record is one that should not be anyway near a Formula One car, or role at a Formula One team.
The fact Adrian Sutil was brought in as their new reserve driver after Valtteri Bottas injured his back during qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix speaks volumes – Williams obviously do not trust her or think she would be ready.
I hope in the future, young women make their way through the junior categories and obtain a place within the pinnacle of motorsport on merit (with sponsorship) rather than obtaining a role because their partner is a shareholder within a team or a marketing ploy.
The fight for this will not be easy, however, having a women driver in Formula One or in a test driver role on merit, does a lot more good than obtaining it in a non-sporting way such as Wolff and Jorda.
Susie Wolff potentially leaving her role as Williams test driver is good because it will open up an opportunity for a young driver to learn their trade in a top team, at least then, Williams aren’t giving false hope to a hopeless cause.
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