The patriarchy is defined by social organizations marketed by the supremacy of the father and the clan or family in the reckoning of descent and inheritance in males. In F1 racing, patriarchal systems may limit women’s representation and participation.
F1 Academy racing consists of 15 drivers to make up a grid with five teams operating three cars each. All F1 teams have nominated one driver, each with a livery or chosen car. A driver can earn a maximum of 56 points each weekend with 122 to play for. Two points will be awarded to the drivers who start race one and race two from pole position. Fastest lap points are also handed out in each race, so the driver and the team who achieved the fastest lap time are then classified inside the top 10. Marta Garcia, age 23, was the first winner of the inaugural season in 2023, helping PREMA race to the double with the teams’ title. As part of the master agreement between F1 Academy and the Formula Regional European Champion by Alpine, Garcia has received a fully funded seat for the 2024 season with PREMA racing. F1 Academy weekends take place over three days, with two free practices lasting up to 40 minutes each. With 30-minute qualifying sessions to set the grid for the two races, drivers use the T421 chassis, with 13-inch tires provided by Pirelli. These cars can reach speeds of 240km/h. Steven Wagner commented on the importance of the F1 Academy and how he believes the organization will make an impact on the world of Formula 1, “It is being done to increase women drivers in the field and give them future opportunities in F1. I think this will allow women to get the experience needed in order to join the ranks of F1 in the future.” The F1 Academy is taking steps to provide an outlet that helps women who are interested in the sport by teaching them everything they need to know to rise through the ranks and achieve their dreams.
Some organized officials may start incentives to encourage more female participants. Still, the sexist backlash received from the public eye and other drivers may discourage women from participating in this male-dominated industry. According to the F1 official website on the F1 Academy, some racing series are designed to help develop young female drivers and give them the experience needed to progress through the single cedar pyramid. While many men are publicly and privately involved in F1 racing, women are confined to Partick Ip in jobs behind the scenes. 30% of Formula 1 management’s 569 employees or female fold data from opposing teams is subsequentially lower. Three women have been involved as development drivers within the last eight years, but none have gotten further than a first practice session. Only two women have managed teams, and neither are still working in the sport. ESPN surveyed all 10 F1 teams on how many women are in senior roles within the team, providing data from March 11, 2021. Within Mercedes, there are 1000 employees, 117 are women, and 31% are in senior roles. Within Haas, 167 are employed, and 15 are women; only 9% of its population. Red Bull, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Alpine, and Alpha Tauri did not provide or report any information supporting women’s advocacy in these spaces. Jennifer Wagner says, “I have been to two live races this past year. There are a few fans in attendance. I was sitting next to three middle-aged women on a bucket list trip together. The interest is there,” commenting on women’s interest in racing. She recognizes that there are many female fans in the crowds but not many in driver seats.
While more initiatives like Drive to Survive aim to promote women’s involvement in the sport, more work needs to be done to push women to the forefront of Formula 1 outside of bloggers, reporters, and programs behind the scenes. Women deserve the same opportunities as their counterparts to participate freely in F1 and be advocated for and supported by organized business.
Sources:
https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/31038834/the-women-power-formula-one-engineers-mechanics-directors-their-role-changing-man-world
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-2024-f1-academy-season.1abdQGn1WDEldsVaV98MyZ
https://www.f1academy.com/Racing-Series/Standings/Driver?seasonId=2
https://www.f1academy.com/Our-Impact
https://www.f1academy.com/
https://www.formula1.com/en/drivers https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patriarchy https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/101654/f1-reserve-drivers/ popularity-with-women/?sh=4ecffa41137c
