On a go-kart circuit in England, a dozen girls and teenagers put on their helmets. They take part in an initiative aimed at attracting women to motorsport and, who knows, planting the seeds of a future Formula 1 champion.
Men and women can theoretically compete in F1 against each other, a circumstance that occurs in few sports. But in practice, the glass ceiling has not yet been broken.
Italian Lella Lombardi was the last woman to compete in an F1 Grand Prix and did so in the distant year of 1976.
Girls’ limited exposure to motorsport, an environment that is still very masculine, explains this long absence for many.
According to “More Than Equal”, which works to promote female drivers, girls start karting, the first step towards F1, on average two years later than boys.
In October, Motorsport UK (British Motorsport Federation), with the support of makeup brand Charlotte Tilbury, organized this meeting of young female prospects in Nottingham, in central England.
“We started by asking them if they watched motor sports and if they were interested in Formula 1. And we saw how they raised their hands”, says Cameron Biggs, one of those responsible for forming Motorsport UK.
Another fact to consider is the success of the Netflix series about Formula 1, which increased the general public’s interest in this discipline.
Many of the young women gathered in Nottingham have limited experience, but they do not appear daunted by the breakneck speed of F1, the loud roar of engines or the prospect of driving a vehicle several years before they are of legal age to get a regular licence.
“The second time I came first, I’m very proud of that”, says Megan, just 11 years old.
“I often watch Formula 1, so I know a little about how to move around the track,” says Erin, also 11 years old.
The “More Than Equal” organization set out to give impetus to young women who want to compete, with a view to molding possible stars of tomorrow.
The program put in place “takes into account the physiological, psychological and technical differences” that women face, especially when it comes to menstruation, explains Forrow.
Skye Parker, a 15-year-old teenager from Wales who takes part in the program, started karting at the age of 6 and dreams of being a “Formula 1 world champion” one day.
In December, with his pink and green helmet, he was doing a few laps around the Montmeló circuit, near Barcelona, at the wheel of an F4 car, a category that is several steps below F1, but which represents an essential step towards climbing.
This season, Frenchwoman Doriane Pin won the F1 Academy, a competition that is contested with F4 cars, one of the Grand Prix on the calendar.
“It’s sad that we don’t have any women to look up to in Formula 1,” Skye Parker tells AFP.
The economic issue, in a very expensive sport, is another limiting factor.
In Nottingham, Marcus McKenzie uses a headset to guide his daughter Georgia, just 8 years old, as she travels at 40 km/h, a far cry from the 350 km/h top speed typical of a Grand Prix.
This single father is confident that he will find sponsors for Georgia’s career and also for that of his 11-year-old son, who is very passionate about F1.
When they finish their laps around the Nottingham circuit, the drivers seem very happy.
“Don’t be afraid. Just be brave and have fun”, assures Thea, 8 years old, addressing other girls.
