SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS (BELGIUM), 25 Aug. (dpa/EP) –
The CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, was skeptical about a short-term arrival of a female driver in the Formula 1 World Championship, something that he does not expect to happen “in the next five years”, although it is an option that they continue to handle.
Historically, only Italians Maria Teresa de Filippis, who qualified for three races in the 1950s, and Lella Lombardi, who ran a few in the 1970s, can claim to have competed in the championship.
Now, in order to continue promoting women in this sport, the W Series was created, where the Spanish Marta García, Belén García and Nerea Martí compete and are supported by the F-1, although none have yet been able to give the jump.
“Realistically speaking, I don’t see, unless something happens that is like some kind of meteor entering the earth, a female driver in Formula 1 in the next five years. That’s very unlikely, I need to be realistic.” said Domenicali in the preview of the Belgian Grand Prix.
In any case, the Italian made it clear that they were “totally committed to giving women the best possible chance of reaching Formula One”, but that they want to do it in the right way and without rushing.
“We want to develop the right parameters with the right step-by-step approach so that they can start racing against drivers at the right age and with the right car. That’s really what we’re working on,” he admitted.