F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff says it will take “a few years” before a female driver reaches Formula 1.
This year will see the launch of a brand new all-female racing series, supported directly by F1.
F1 Academy will commence next month, with 15 drivers taking part in the season that will visit seven circuits during the year.
The category was announced in 2022 and aims to deliver female drivers with a starting point in the single-seater ladder and aid their progression into professional motorsport.
Just five female drivers have ever entered an F1 race, the last being Giovanna Amati in 1992 – however the last time a female driver started a grand prix was in 1976 through Lella Lombardi.
Wolff, who was the last female driver to take part in a grand prix weekend at the 2014 German Grand Prix, says those hoping to see female representation on the grid must be patient.
“I know that it’s possible for a woman to race at this level and from that perspective, that experience is so important, especially handing down that experience to the next generation,” Wolff told Sky Sports News.
“I think being in the paddock and with the full support of F1 behind the F1 Academy, it means we have all the right people and the decision makers looking and supporting us to make sure that when there is a talent coming through.
“We need to manage expectations. It’s going to take time.
“It’s about increasing the talent pool, raising awareness and inspiring the next generation to come and to make this sport more accessible for those that want to enter
“It’s definitely going to take a few years. I think we can have some real success in the short term, but to find a successful girl racing in Formula 1, we need to think mid to long term, and that means we’ve got to be patient.”
The 2023 F1 Academy season will commence on April 28 at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.
