Ahead of a critical step-up in profile in 2024, with support from all 10 F1 teams in backing a driver and branding cars, F1 Academy managing director Susie Wolff is crystal clear about one thing.
She says that long-term opportunities for females in motorsport may very well depend on the series succeeding in its mission.
“I'm very conscious of this just not being a flash in the pan, something shiny new, and then it just dies away,” she said ahead of the series finale in Austin.
“That would be a huge regret if that does happen. Because then there is no chance for wider diversity in the sport.
“I think, if this doesn't function, nothing's going to function.”
Wolff, who took up her role in March this year, thinks its success depends on it doing far more than just being a successful support series on the grand prix bill, and helping the fastest females it has right now get up the single-seater racing ladder towards F1.
Source: Autosport