In a lengthy interview with Linburger, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, discussing his passion for simulated racing, the conversation shifted to the women who participate in simulated racing (iRacing being the leading platform where Max excels).
iRacing is an online electronic racing platform that attracts the majority of the current generation of professional drivers, including well-known names such as Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris, as well as drivers of all ages who use simulation to maintain their racing skills. Additionally, there is a dedicated community of simulated racing experts and a large group of amateur drivers aspiring to compete at a higher level.
When asked about the gender distribution among simulated racing drivers, Verstappen commented: “It’s a bit similar. There are women, but significantly fewer compared to men. For example, our team [RedLine] currently consists exclusively of male drivers. However, if there is a talented female driver among us, we would certainly welcome her. That’s how it is in the real world, isn’t it?” Verstappen alluded to the fact that motorsport, unlike other major sports like tennis, soccer, Olympics, cycling, and marathons, does not segregate male and female disciplines.
Verstappen further explained the reality of motorsport, stating: “Team managers do not consider whether someone is male or female. It all comes down to their speed and performance.” This means that female and male drivers, from their early days in karting to their progression through various racing categories like F1, F3, and F2, traditionally start on equal footing. However, statistics show that when it comes to selecting drivers for Formula 1, no female candidate has reached the top.
Similar to a pyramid-shaped structure, the grassroots level of racing, especially karting, sees a higher participation of women at all levels than ever before. However, as the ladder to Formula 1 is climbed, the predominance of men becomes increasingly evident in categories like F3, F2, and, of course, F1.
The established path to Formula 1 has few exceptions. It starts with several seasons in karting during adolescence, followed by a season in F4, a season in F3, and finally a season in F1 before getting the opportunity to compete at the highest level of the sport.
This season, the F1 Development Program is being widely promoted by the sport’s decision-makers. They are giving excessive exposure to the “Bring Women to F1 at Any Cost” initiative, which would be better utilized for talented and deserving male drivers in F3 and F4.
Verstappen expressed his thoughts on the program’s intentions: “It’s a positive thing that Formula 1 is now focusing more on women in motorsport with the F1 Development Program, although I have reservations about their approach. The cars they use are too slow. If they really want to prepare them for Formula 1, it needs to be taken to a higher level.”
“It’s great that girls are now being sponsored by Formula 1 teams, but what are we really helping them with? There is no clear progression for them at the moment. The difference between their current level and a Formula 4 car is already very significant,” Verstappen politely explained.
The logical “next step” should be the actual feeding series – starting with Formula 3, followed by Formula 2 – where the next generation of potential F1 superstars (like Oliver Bearman and Kimi Antonelli) are honing their skills. These are levels that none of the F1 Development Program drivers will ever reach based solely on talent and merit.
Interestingly, from a sports perspective, the next stages of the F1 Development Program season will take place during the first major sports event in the United States, in Miami, from May 3 to 5.
Instead of including F3 and/or F2 races in the support program for the weekend in Florida, which coincides with the first Grand Prix of the season in the USA, decision-makers chose to showcase the predominantly inexperienced and accident-prone female drivers from the F1 Development Program to American fans. Stay safe, ladies.
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The thrilling final of the World Cup took place last night at the National Stadium. It was a breathtaking game, with many exciting moments and incredible plays. In the end, the home team emerged victorious, winning the title for the first time in their history.
The match started with a quick goal from the visiting team, catching everyone by surprise. However, the home team did not falter and quickly equalized the game. From there, it was an intense duel, with both teams seeking the winning goal.
The final minutes were filled with tension, with goal-scoring opportunities for both sides. But it was the home team that managed to score the winning goal in stoppage time, sending the crowd into a frenzy. It was a historic moment for national football.
After the final whistle, the players celebrated and were cheered on by the fans. The coach of the winning team was moved when talking about the achievement and dedication of his players throughout the championship.
The fans also did their part, filling the stadium and supporting the team during the 90 minutes. It was a true football party, full of passion and emotion.
Now, the home team is getting ready to celebrate the title with a big party. The whole city is in celebration, with streets decorated and fans celebrating in the streets. It’s a moment of pride for all football fans.
The FIFA World Cup is an event that brings together the best teams in the world in a fierce competition. It’s a unique opportunity for players to showcase their talent and represent their countries.
Congratulations to the home team for the historic achievement. May this title be the beginning of a new era for national football. We are excited to see what the future holds for this team and for the sport in our country.
