FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has reaffirmed the governing body will “actively encourage” more women competitors in formula racing following comments by Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
Earlier this week, Domenicali discussed Formula 1’s collaboration with W Series and expressed his view on how the junior series structure could help to naturally promote more women drivers reaching the highest level of Formula 1.
“We are trying to understand how we can, let’s say, prepare the right parameters,” explained Domenicali. “Also for the girls to come into the pyramid at the right age with the right car, because this is really the key point.
“So we are working on that in order to see what we can do in order to improve the system, and you will see soon some action.”
However, Domenicali received criticism after suggesting there would not be a woman likely to reach F1 over the next five years “unless something that will be like a sort of meteor coming into the Earth”. Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel described Domenicali’s comment as a “very unlucky choice of words” as they may discourage young drivers from pursuing their dreams of racing in Formula 1.
Ahead of qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix, Ben Sulayem released a statement reaffirming that the FIA was “committed” to increasing the opportunities for women racing in single-seater formula racing.
“Since its foundation, the FIA has always supported and nurtured women in motorsport,” Ben Sulayem said.
“Motorsport is unique as, under FIA regulations, women and men can compete on equal terms. We will continue to actively encourage the participation of women whether that be through our FIA Girls On Track Rising Stars programme, the presence of women in our race control, operations and technical teams and other departments throughout the organisation or in partnership with our ASNs with female volunteers and officials.”
“The FIA and FOM are committed to greater opportunity for women in the sport. Stefano Domenicali and I are working together to improve access and the pyramid for women’s entry and progression. Throughout history, women have made their mark in motorsport, on and off track, and it is our desire, under my leadership, that the trend will continue for years to come.”
Ben Sulayem assumed the FIA presidency in December after being elected by its member associations following the end of predecessor Jean Todt’s final term. Ben Sulayem will serve a four-year…
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