In a recent media session at the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Alpine driver Pierre Gasly shared his views on the potential inclusion of women in Formula 1.
Maria Teresa de Filippis, Lella Lombardi, Divina Galica, Desiré Wilson and Giovanna Amati are the five drivers who’ve previously completed in Grand Prix events [the race and/or just qualifying], with de Filppis and Lombardi successfully qualifying for races. Lombardi scored half a point with a P6 finish at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix.
Current F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff is the last woman to compete on a Grand Prix weekend. The Scottish driver ran for Williams in FP1 at the 2014 British Grand Prix.
Marta Garcia, the inaugural winner of F1 Academy in 2023, will take part in FRECA next year as the Spaniard looks to find a route towards the pinnacle of Motorsport.
When Gasly was asked about the possibility of him competing against a woman racing driver in F1 before he retires, “I wouldn’t be surprised,” he expressed.
Photo Credit: BWT Alpine F1 Team
“I think it is definitely possible,” hinting at the evolving nature of F1.
“There are a lot of efforts put in place from the organisation, from our team in supporting women in our sport and category,” he added, emphasizing the concerted efforts by F1 and Alpine to promote gender diversity within the sport.
The absence of women on F1 podiums throughout the season despite their pledge to make the sport more inclusive sparked some discussions and some controversy among the fans. The re-signing of Abbi Pulling for the 2024 season of F1 Academy, however, reaffirms Alpine’s commitment to fostering talent through their academy, underscoring that progress is being made at different levels within the sport.
Gasly affirmed that skill and speed are the key criteria by saying that, “I am sure if a woman really shows that she has got the speed and talent to be part of the 20 best drivers in the world, I am sure she will be given an opportunity.”
