Driving Change: F1 Academy’s Trials, Tribulations and Triumphs
Published on Medium:
The asphalt will bear witness to the final race of the season for F1 Academy this weekend and the crowning of its first champion. F1 Academy, the phoenix that emerged from the ashes of W Series, has certainly faced its fair share of difficulties to overcome, persevering through its rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs but rounding off the season having secured broadcasting rights to their races.
The story of F1 Academy traces back to the twists and turns of W Series. In 2019, the all-female championship debuted as a part of the DTM support bill, igniting hopes. Yet the road was far from smooth. The pandemic’s shadow cast uncertainty, leading to the cancellation of the 2020 season. Even with Formula 1’s backing in 2021, financial hurdles loomed large, culminating in W Series’ premature end in 2022. Talks of revival fell silent, and the future seemed uncertain. But where one chapter ends, another begins. At the end of 2022, Formula 1 unveiled their initiative — F1 Academy. This all-female feeder series, a collaborative effort between five teams in Formula 2 and Formula 3, marked a significant step forward. Fifteen talented drivers found their platform, their chance to shine in the male-dominated arena of motorsport.
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